Switzerland took direct aim at the global mining industry when it sentenced Beny Steinmetz to five years for bribery. But it’s not clear if the Israeli billionaire will ever set foot in prison.

Steinmetz’s conviction was hailed as a milestone in the fight against corruption in a sector long dogged by allegations of murky dealings and shady practices. The court ruling comes as miners from Glencore Plc to Rio Tinto Group face increasing scrutiny from both law enforcement agencies and investors. Still, until Friday few executives were subject to such personal punishment.