Innovative Strategies to Mitigate the Impact of Mining

Mining is fundamental to the global economy and modern society. It supplies a vast array of essential mineral commodities that serve as critical raw materials for countless products integral to everyday life. Downstream industries worldwide rely heavily on this supply chain, making mining indispensable to technological progress and economic development. Yet, the expansion of mining activities has created a substantial environmental and social footprint. Key challenges include acid mine drainage, large-scale deforestation, land degradation, noise and dust pollution, air and water contamination, adverse public health impacts, and disruption of local livelihoods. As global demand for minerals surges, balancing resource extraction with environmental stewardship and social responsibility has become a pressing industry challenge. Over the past decade, researchers and practitioners have proposed innovative strategies to mitigate these impacts across multiple domains, including advanced remote sensing and geospatial technologies for pollution monitoring, methods for recycling mine waste and tailings, ecosystem restoration techniques, digital tools such as AI and digital twins, and circular economy principles throughout the mining value chain.

This Topic presents state-of-the-art research on the latest developments, persistent challenges, and emerging solutions for mitigating mining’s multifaceted environmental and social impacts. It presents cutting-edge studies that advance scientific understanding and practical approaches to more responsible and sustainable mining practices.