DATA

Cybersecurity innovation among mining industry companies dropped off in the last quarter 

Analysis of patent filings shows a decrease in related applications in the industry following a rise over the past three months, compared to last year. 

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Research and innovation in cybersecurity in the mining industry operations and technologies sector has declined in the last quarter, but remains higher than it was a year ago. 

The most recent figures show that the number of related patent applications in the industry stood at 24 in the three months ending July, up from eight over the same period in 2021. 

Figures for patent grants related to cybersecurity followed a different pattern to filings, shrinking from 17 in the three months ending July 2021 to 13 in the same period in 2022. 

The figures are compiled by GlobalData, which tracks patent filings and grants from official offices around the world. Using textual analysis, as well as official patent classifications, these patents are grouped into key thematic areas, and linked to key companies across various industries. 

Cybersecurity is one of the key areas tracked by GlobalData. It has been identified as being a key disruptive force facing companies in the coming years, and is one of the areas that companies investing resources in now are expected to reap rewards from. The figures also provide an insight into the largest innovators in the sector. 

Honeywell International was the top innovator in the mining industry operations and technologies sector in the latest quarter. The company, which has its headquarters in the US, filed 20 related patents in the three months ending July. That was up from six over the same period in 2021. 

It was followed by the US-based Caterpillar with two patent applications, Japan-based Komatsu (one application) and Japan-based Nippon Steel (one application). 

Honeywell International has recently ramped up research and development in cybersecurity. It saw growth of 70% in related patent applications in the three months ending July compared to the same period in 2021, the highest percentage growth out of all companies tracked with more than 10 quarterly patents in the mining industry operations and technologies sector.