Munich Re Specialty has launched a Lloyd’s consortium to provide insurance covering the cost of rescuing trapped miners, targeting a niche but high-impact risk within the mining sector.

The Miner Rescue Insurance product is designed to fund emergency response efforts where workers are unable to reach the surface following cave-ins, gas leaks, flooding or equipment failure. Cover includes the cost of specialist equipment, engineering services and transportation, subject to policy terms.

The solution is delivered with Integra, which provides claims support and real-time remote incident management from the point of first notification.

Mining remains one of the most hazardous industrial environments, with recent incidents in Africa and Australia highlighting the scale, duration and coordination often required for rescue operations.

Dan Rouse, group head of international casualty at Munich Re Specialty, said: "A mine rescue incident presents a significant threat to life as well as complex operational and financial challenges in a time-pressured environment. Specialist miner rescue insurance is designed to provide mining operators with access to the rapid-response infrastructure and equipment needed to manage critical rescue situations from the moment an incident occurs.

"While events of individuals being unable to reach the surface are rare, this product helps operators ensure the paramount focus is solely on trapped workers."

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