Magnetic storms affect surveys for minerals which use either ground-based or airborne magnetometers to measure the small changes in the earth's magnetic field associated with deposits of minerals. These surveys are more difficult, perhaps impossible, during major magnetic storms. Electric currents induced in the earth during magnetic storms can result in corrosion in buried conductors such as pipelines, despite protection by special coatings and by electrical voltages applied along the pipeline. Electric currents induced in powerlines during magnetic storms can damage power relays and even cause the power grid to fail. These effects are most likely at high latitudes.
Satellites can experience increased drag reducing the lifetime of their orbits.
The increased drag can also affect the orientation of the craft disrupting its operation. The flow of charged particles from the sun can result in the build up of charge on the craft, interfering with sensitive electronics. This can result in phantom commands disrupting the control of the satellite, even leading to the its loss. High energy charged particles during major bursts of solar activity are potentially lethal to the crews of space vehicles. This danger is most significant for crews on interplanetary missions such as to Mars.