Search Results (638)

Sustainability has become a central concern globally, and efforts to enhance it are being made across various fields. In line with this trend, corporate sustainability reports have become more widely published. These reports provide both financial and non-financial information on a company’s sustainability. In this context, this study aims to, first, analyze the key keywords contained in CEO messages. Second, it examines whether the keywords emphasized by CEOs change in response to shifts in corporate risk under economic uncertainty. Finally, it identifies how the categories of words included in these messages are classified. To address these research questions, text analysis was selected as the methodology. Specifically, a qualitative research approach using text mining and CONCOR analysis was conducted on the text from sustainability report. According to the Term Frequency and Term Frequency-Inverse Document Frequency analyses, the most frequently occurring keywords were ESG, Sustainable, Society, Stakeholders, Growth, Environment, Effort, and Future. Centrality analysis identified the following keywords as having high centrality: Sustainable, ESG, Society, Environment, Growth, Effort, and Stakeholders. Finally, CONCOR analysis revealed four clusters: Eco-friendly Energy, ESG Management, Global Crisis, and Technological Competitiveness. This study is significant in that it analyzes the major keywords and their changes within unstructured text data using text mining and CONCOR analysis, and it suggests the possibility of future quantitative analysis of non-financial information using these keywords. Full article

This paper explores the evolution of royalty payments from the extraction of reserved mineral resources in the Czech Republic between 1992 and 2025, with a particular focus on their allocation for the reclamation of environmentally affected areas. It presents the legislative framework governing these payments, including Acts No. 44/1988 Coll., No. 61/1988 Coll., and No. 280/2009 Coll., as well as Government Regulation No. 354/2023 Coll., which collectively define the obligations of mining companies regarding royalty payments. The study addresses the adjustment of royalty rates in response to current economic conditions to ensure sustainable financing of environmental projects. It also emphasizes the importance of continuous evaluation of the regulatory system to maintain a balance between the economic capacity of extractive industries and the protection of the environment. Full article

Global critical mineral production patterns differ markedly across the metals needed for advanced energy technologies. This study examines the extraction and processing landscape, in the year 2024, of six key commodities—lithium, cobalt, aluminum, nickel, manganese, and copper—to identify who the major players (countries and corporations) are in the critical mineral space and to understand what they are mining, where they are mining, and where are they sending their ore to be processed. This study aims to provide a snapshot of the critical mineral supply chain that serves as a useful resource for researchers and policymakers seeking to understand and improve the critical mineral supply chain. We analyze company financial filings, government datasets, and other public and proprietary sources for the year 2024. Then, we calculate production volumes and identify geographic and corporate concentration. The results show that copper and aluminum production and processing are relatively diverse, while lithium and cobalt extraction and processing are highly concentrated among a few countries and dominant firms. Nickel and manganese occupy an intermediate position, displaying moderate diversity with emerging signs of consolidation. Full article

In cold climates, mine air conditioning systems are essential for preventing liners and shaft components from freezing. Traditionally, fossil fuel burners are used to heat intake air, resulting in high energy consumption and significant greenhouse gas emissions. As part of efforts to reduce both environmental impacts and energy use, mining companies are increasingly adopting innovative solutions, such as heat recovery systems. These systems offer a promising approach to significantly reduce energy demand for underground mine heating. This study evaluates several heat recovery technologies including exhaust air, water, hybrid exhaust air–water, diesel exhaust, jacket water, and hybrid diesel exhaust–jacket-water systems, through numerical modeling. Two case studies are presented: a grid-connected mine in British Columbia with moderately cold conditions, and an off-grid mine in the Northwest Territories, which experiences Arctic climate extremes. Results show that heat recovery can reduce heating costs by up to 89% in British Columbia and as much as 90% in the Northwest Territories, depending on the system applied. The findings also demonstrate substantial associated carbon emission reductions. Furthermore, a comprehensive feasibility analysis was carried out to evaluate the thermodynamic performance, financial savings, and carbon emission reductions of these systems across various mining operations, offering a preliminary assessment of their potential for mining settings. Full article

Employers in South Africa are mandated by labour laws to implement systems of work for the maintenance and promotion of health and safety at work. In response, companies have adopted and implemented occupational health and safety management systems (OHSMSs) whose effectiveness should be continuously monitored through performance measurement. However, there remains no national convention on the specific performance measurement indicators for companies to use. The objective of this study was to determine, characterise and compare lagging indicators adopted and reported by the top 150 Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE)-listed companies in South Africa. This qualitative study evaluated annual reports and data books from these companies by analysing textual data through qualitative document analysis. Only 87 of the 150 case companies reported performance using lagging indicators. The basic materials, consumer goods, consumer services and industrial sectors had the most companies which reported performance metrics. Fatality count and lost time injury frequency rate (LTIFR) were the most commonly reported performance metrics and were reported by 64 and 41 companies, respectively. There was variation in the number, type and form of adopted lagging indicators by the case companies. Companies in the manufacturing and mining sectors were more likely to report OHS performance, in general, than those in other sectors. The observed variation across sectors emphasises the need for harmonised indicators to measure and report OHS performance in South Africa. Full article

The extraction of lithium from salt flats such as the Salar de Atacama (SdA) has raised concerns about its potential impact on the local water balance. This study evaluates the possibility of including localized mining impacts on groundwater tables, lagoons, brine–freshwater mixing, evaporation, precipitation feedback, and recharge in a localized water footprint case study of lithium mining in the SdA. Using ready-to-use hydrogeological models, we primarily assessed the effects of lithium extraction on groundwater levels, evaporation, precipitation, and basin recharge dynamics. The influence on evaporation and recharge appears to be limited, with surplus evaporation due to mining accounting for a maximum of 4% of basin-wide evaporation. Regarding groundwater tables, drawdown exceeding 25 cm to several meters has largely been confined to areas that are not critical for local ecosystems. Available hydrogeological models have also helped to estimate whether the extraction of freshwater by mining companies can exacerbate groundwater drawdown during brine extraction. Consequently, non-overlapping, geographically distinct depression cones have been identified, but total water consumption by all users in the basin has not been considered. Furthermore, the aspect of model uncertainty requires further investigation, as do changes in lagoon areas and brine–freshwater mixing, which are not yet comprehensively captured by existing models. Full article

Maintaining air quality is an important environmental challenge, affecting both urban and regional areas where industrial, agricultural, and energy activities intersect. The Upper Hunter Valley, NSW, experiences emissions from coal mining, power generation, agriculture, and wood fires, compounded by local meteorology, geology, and climate change. This study applies a political economy framework to examine historical governance structures including colonial legacies, institutional arrangements, and power relations and how they shape stakeholder roles and influence decision-making related to air quality. Technical applied research including improving dust monitoring, occupational health studies, and investigations into alternative fuels provided an empirical basis for identifying key stakeholders, including mining and energy companies, regulatory agencies, local councils, community groups, and environmental organisations. The analysis demonstrates how these actors influence governance processes, social licence to operate, and public perceptions of environmental risk. Findings indicate that effective air quality management requires multi-level, collaborative approaches that integrate technical expertise, regulatory oversight, and community engagement. The study highlights the importance of systemic strategies that align economic, environmental, and social objectives, providing insight into the governance of contested environmental resources in historically and politically complex regional contexts. This article is a rewritten and expanded version of the study “Analysis of air quality stakeholders in the Upper Hunter”, presented at the Clean Air conference, in Hobart, Australia, August 2024. Full article

It is essential that the extracted raw material, after mining, is transported to its processing facility. In mining companies, this transfer is managed by a logistics system. However, it is crucial to first adopt the Mining 4.0 concept and subsequently begin implementing new technological trends. This study thoroughly analyzes and evaluates the transportation system of a specific mining operation. The application of modeling and simulation introduces several benefits to this process. Developing a comprehensive model from pre-verified components is the most effective way to represent the system reliably. The objective is to achieve and verify the potential for a monthly output of 10,000 tons of raw material. Experimentation with the model produced a significant amount of data, indicating that the transportation system may achieve the production target. With proper maintenance and precise alternation of processes, as determined by the modeled experiments, the system could be even more effective. The simulation outputs also identified the productivity of other processes within the logistics system. The experiments focused on both improving the system and ensuring its sustainability for the future. The company must ensure and strengthen its system, particularly in terms of its components and management, as this will have the greatest impact on system safety, longevity, and reliability. Full article

Aluminum’s unique properties have led to its widespread use across multiple industries, including transportation, aviation, power generation, construction, and food packaging. In recent years, global aluminum consumption has risen significantly, with China experiencing particularly sharp growth in both production and demand. In Russia, the aluminum industry is dominated by UC RUSAL, which consolidates all Russian aluminum and alumina production facilities, along with several international operations and mining assets. Despite its global presence, the company remains heavily reliant on imported raw materials (approximately 50%) for alumina production, resulting in reduced operational efficiency and declining output. This dependency has necessitated the exploration of strategies to diversify raw material sources across different stages of the aluminum production value chain. This study identifies and classifies key diversification options for global aluminum companies, focusing on secondary aluminum production, primary aluminum production, and alumina extraction from mined minerals, industrial waste, and by-products. The options were evaluated based on predefined criteria (feasibility, cost per Mg of alumina, logistics, alumina output, and economic security), and two options were selected. The research substantiates the feasibility of diversifying production through nepheline utilization. For the medium term, an economic efficiency assessment was conducted for a proposed 30% capacity expansion at the Pikalevo Alumina Refinery. Additionally, long-term opportunities for increasing aluminum output were identified, including leveraging foreign assets while accounting for associated risks. Full article

This study examines corporate sustainability in Ecuador using the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) methodology, considering 104 companies in the period 2018–2023. Using a quantitative and longitudinal approach, sectoral trends and the influence of regulations and incentives on the adoption of responsible practices were identified. The results show that companies prioritize the social component over economic and environmental ones, and that sectors with greater public exposure such as mining and manufacturing show greater progress compared to financial services and telecommunications. Statistical analysis reveals significant interrelationships between the three dimensions, confirming that performance in one drives the others. The main contribution of this work lies in offering a multivariate analysis that is unprecedented in the Ecuadorian context, which allows for an understanding of sectoral gaps and raises the need for differentiated public policies to promote more consistent sustainability reports that are aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Full article

Industrial safety in high-risk sectors such as mining, construction, oil and gas, petrochemicals, and offshore fishing remains a strategic global challenge due to the high incidence of occupational accidents and their human, financial, and legal consequences. Despite international standards and advancements in safety strategies, significant barriers persist in the effective implementation of a Zero Accident culture. This scoping review, conducted under PRISMA-ScR guidelines, analyzed 11 studies selected from 232 records, focusing on documented practices in both multinational corporations from developed economies and local companies in emerging markets. The methodological synthesis validated theoretical models, practical interventions, and regulatory frameworks across diverse industrial settings. The findings led to the construction of a five-pillar model that provides the structural foundation for a comprehensive safety strategy: (1) strategic safety planning, defining long-term vision, mission, and objectives with systematic risk analysis; (2) executive leadership and commitment, expressed through decision-making, resource allocation, and on-site engagement; (3) people and competencies, emphasizing continuous training, communities of practice, and the development of safe behaviors; (4) process risk management, using validated protocols, structured methodologies, and early warning systems; and (5) performance measurement and auditing, combining reactive and proactive indicators within continuous improvement cycles. The results demonstrate that only a holistic approach, one that aligns strategy, culture, and performance, can sustain a robust safety culture. While notable reductions in incident rates were observed when these pillars were applied, the current literature is dominated by theoretical contributions and model replication from developed countries, with limited empirical evaluation in emerging contexts. This study provides a comparative, practice-oriented framework to guide the implementation and refinement of safety systems in high-risk organizations. This review was registered in Open Science Framework (OSF): 10.17605/OSF.IO/XFDPR. Full article

Compliance with occupational safety and health (OSH) standards and safe employee behaviour largely depend on the level of management’s commitment to respecting occupational safety and health laws and regulations. A safe work environment is one that is consistent with the idea of sustainability and supports the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including in particular: SDG3 Good health and well-being, SDG8 Decent work and economic growth. and SDG16 Peace and justice. The purpose of this article is to provide an employee assessment of mine leaders commitment to creating safe working conditions as one element in shaping an OSH culture. The analysis is based on the results of a survey conducted in 21 rock quarries in Poland, which collected 444 questionnaires completed by employees at various organizational levels—from workers, managers, administrative and engineering employees. The questionnaire included basic socio-demographic characteristics and statements concerning the level of involvement of mine management in workers compliance with safety and health rules and regulations. The results of the survey indicate that in the analysed rock mines, the leaders fulfil their duties in accordance with OSH rules and regulations and organise the work of all employees at a high level of safety. Despite this, many survey participants do not see managers responding to unsafe behaviour by employees. Respondents indicate that the existence of OSH regulations and their enforcement by leaders is necessary to maintain a high level of safety in mines. This study has helped to characterise the state of rock mining in the context of creating a safety culture and can provide important information in the search for solutions to increase safety levels in Polish rock mining making it more sustainable. Full article

Despite South Africa’s robust environmental legislation governing the mining industry, abandoned coal mines persist as a significant environmental concern, largely due to some companies evading accountability. This study assesses the level of contamination at an abandoned coal mine site in Mpumalanga, South Africa, and proposes preliminary remediation strategies and potential site repurposing options. The analysis included measuring parameters such as pH, electrical conductivity (EC), sulphates (SO₄), calcium (Ca), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), magnesium (Mg), and lead (Pb) in both soil and water samples. Additionally, soil samples were analyzed for ammonia (NH₃), while water samples were analyzed to determine total suspended solids (TSSs) and total dissolved solids (TDSs). The results revealed that soil samples exceeded prescribed thresholds for SO₄ and Pb, according to Soil Screening Values 1 (SSV1) for protection of land and resources. Water samples also showed exceedances for several parameters, except for Mg and Pb, as per South African National Standards and guidelines. Water quality assessment using the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment Water Quality Index (CCME-WQI) yielded scores of 43.33 and 15.56, indicating poor quality for livestock watering and unsuitability for domestic use, respectively. These results suggest threatened water conditions, highlighting significant implications for human health and ecosystem. The study recommends a circular economy-driven approach to environmental remediation, where acid mine drainage is treated using passive systems like constructed wetlands, and phytomining is used to extract valuable metals or minerals. Invasive alien species are harvested and converted into compost, reducing waste and promoting sustainable land use. This approach not only restores the site but also generates economic opportunities through resource recovery, paving the way for sustainable post-mining land uses. Full article

This article evaluates the effectiveness of Poland’s current mine closure model in promoting the sustainable reuse of post-mining land, particularly in urbanised regions such as the Upper Silesian–Zagłębie Metropolis. A mixed-methods approach is applied, combining archival and cartographic analysis, field surveys, and a comparative policy review. The study examines 81 post-mining areas associated with 20 decommissioned coal mines. Two dominant transformation models are identified: planned redevelopment guided by public–private strategies, and unplanned, market-driven reuse based on opportunistic adaptation. While the system ensures technical and environmental safety via the Mine Restructuring Company (SRK S.A.), it remains weakly integrated with spatial planning policies and often marginalises key stakeholders. This leads to fragmented land reuse, underinvestment, and misalignment with sustainability objectives. A comparative review of models from Germany, the UK, and the Czech Republic highlights the importance of institutional coordination, strategic planning tools, and community involvement. The article concludes with policy recommendations to enhance governance, planning coherence, and social inclusion in post-mining transformation processes in Poland. Full article

Minerals bearing rare earth elements (REEs) are formed through long geological processes, among which monazite, bastnasite, xenotime, and ionic adsorption clays are the most economically exploited. Although Brazil has one of the largest reserves of REEs on the planet, its production is still not significant on the world stage. China remains dominant, with the largest reserves of REEs and controlling more than half of world production. Due to their important application in advanced clean and low-carbon energy technologies, REEs have become fundamental to the energy transition process. Technological applications related to catalyst synthesis, ceramics production, and metallurgy have been explored. Furthermore, the use of REEs in devices of great demand today, such as computer memory, rechargeable batteries, and mobile phones, has been cited. With the growing demand for these critical minerals, large mining companies are seeking to implement cleaner production policies in their processes and save natural resources to minimize the environmental impacts of the exploration. Robust analytical techniques have made it possible to characterize these elements in multi-element geological matrices, with the increasing exploration and identification of new REE mineral reserves. Full article