This information bulletin applies to all mine operators. Information I would like to take this opportunity to stress the urgent need for the mining industry to consider all aspects of the Y2K problem, including some points of which you may not be aware. While it has been widely reported how this problem affects government and financial systems, little has been reported on how this worldwide problem can also affect personal computers and many other pieces of hardware that contain microchips.
Many computers use two digits to keep track of the year.
This problem could cause them to stop running or start generating erroneous information. In the mining industry, certain systems and equipment that have a direct impact on miner safety and health contain microchips and must be Y2K compliant. Most large organizations in the mining industry have been working for several years on resolving potential Y2K problems. However, the mining industry also includes many small operations and businesses that are subject to Y2K failures. These organizations may need assistance in identifying and resolving Y2K problems.