diff --git a/code/modules/mining/drill.dm b/code/modules/mining/drill.dm
index 9a35c2b4bf113..c327efab39a85 100644
--- a/code/modules/mining/drill.dm
+++ b/code/modules/mining/drill.dm
@@ -344,6 +344,8 @@
 
 //Overly long proc to handle the unique properties for each malfunction type
 /obj/machinery/drill/proc/malfunction(malfunction_type)
+	if(active)
+		mining.toggle_spawning() //turns mob spawning off after a malfunction
 	switch(malfunction_type)
 		if(MALF_LASER)
 			say("Malfunction: Laser array damaged, please replace before continuing mining operations.")