IDEAS home Printed from https://ideas.repec.org/a/eee/jrpoli/v91y2024ics0301420724002186.html
   My bibliography  Save this article

Reviewing energy efficiency and environmental consciousness in the minerals industry Amidst digital transition: A comprehensive review

Author

Listed:
  • Uz Zaman, Qamar
  • Zhao, Yuhuan
  • Zaman, Shah
  • Batool, Kiran
  • Nasir, Rabiya

Abstract

The mining industry has long grappled with the digital transformation challenge, partly due to its historically conservative nature. Much of the discourse revolved around selecting appropriate mining methodologies like striking a balance between ore and waste selectivity, optimization of implementation scales, reducing costs, and adaptation of suitable metallurgical extraction methods. However, the concept of the fourth industrial revolution emerged as a critical factor in determining sustainability, success, and competitiveness within the contemporary mining sector. Therefore, this research aims to provide an overview of the digital transformation within the minerals and extractive industry, specifically focusing on energy efficiency and environmental sustainability. The current research explored geological factors that impact mining selectivity and technologies designed for waste rejection. Environmentally friendly approaches, such as using tunnel-boring machinery or non-explosive techniques, aid in ore fragmentation explored in this research that help reduce energy consumption during mineral processing and enhance mineral recovery. Additionally, this research deeps dive into the adoption of low-water-consumption automated ore-waste sorting systems. In this regard, selective mining leaching through the percolation of coarse particles offers an alternative approach for processing complex low-grade ores. Moreover, the assessment of new technological frontiers in the mineral sector has been done in the current research. The amalgamation of these processes promises a substantial reduction in mining waste. Furthermore, this research concludes that various factors such as orebody characteristics, the selection of mining techniques and equipment, the intended implementation scales, adherence to circular strategies, ore extraction efficiency, and socio-economic considerations influence the development and implementation of novel technologies and methods in the mining industry.

Suggested Citation

  • Uz Zaman, Qamar & Zhao, Yuhuan & Zaman, Shah & Batool, Kiran & Nasir, Rabiya, 2024. "Reviewing energy efficiency and environmental consciousness in the minerals industry Amidst digital transition: A comprehensive review," Resources Policy, Elsevier, vol. 91(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:jrpoli:v:91:y:2024:i:c:s0301420724002186
    DOI: 10.1016/j.resourpol.2024.104851
    as

    Download full text from publisher

    File URL: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0301420724002186
    Download Restriction: Full text for ScienceDirect subscribers only
    File URL: https://libkey.io/10.1016/j.resourpol.2024.104851?utm_source=ideas
    LibKey link: if access is restricted and if your library uses this service, LibKey will redirect you to where you can use your library subscription to access this item
    ---><---

    As the access to this document is restricted, you may want to search for a different version of it.

    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Ralph Hamann, 2003. "Mining companies' role in sustainable development: The 'why' and 'how' of corporate social responsibility from a business perspective," Development Southern Africa, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 20(2), pages 237-254.
    2. Olga Zhironkina & Sergey Zhironkin, 2023. "Technological and Intellectual Transition to Mining 4.0: A Review," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(3), pages 1-37, February.
    3. Rimélé, Adrien & Dimitrakopoulos, Roussos & Gamache, Michel, 2020. "A dynamic stochastic programming approach for open-pit mine planning with geological and commodity price uncertainty," Resources Policy, Elsevier, vol. 65(C).
    4. Ma, Dan & Tang, Jiaqi & Jiang, Xuemei, 2023. "Effects of digital global value chain participation on CO2 emissions embodied in digital exports: New evidence from PSTR approach," Energy Economics, Elsevier, vol. 126(C).
    5. Zaman, Shah & Wang, Zilong & Rasool, Samma Faiz & Zaman, Qamar uz & Raza, Hamid, 2022. "Impact of critical success factors and supportive leadership on sustainable success of renewable energy projects: Empirical evidence from Pakistan," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 162(C).
    6. David S. Yeager & Paul Hanselman & Gregory M. Walton & Jared S. Murray & Robert Crosnoe & Chandra Muller & Elizabeth Tipton & Barbara Schneider & Chris S. Hulleman & Cintia P. Hinojosa & David Paunesk, 2019. "A national experiment reveals where a growth mindset improves achievement," Nature, Nature, vol. 573(7774), pages 364-369, September.
    7. Amjad Almusaed & Ibrahim Yitmen & Asaad Almssad, 2023. "Reviewing and Integrating AEC Practices into Industry 6.0: Strategies for Smart and Sustainable Future-Built Environments," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(18), pages 1-27, September.
    8. Iryna Kosse, 2023. "Rebuilding Ukraine’s Infrastructure after the War," wiiw Policy Notes 72, The Vienna Institute for International Economic Studies, wiiw.
    9. Sofia Karagiannopoulou & Nikolaos Sariannidis & Konstantina Ragazou & Ioannis Passas & Alexandros Garefalakis, 2023. "Corporate Social Responsibility: A Business Strategy That Promotes Energy Environmental Transition and Combats Volatility in the Post-Pandemic World," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(3), pages 1-21, January.
    10. Jannik Martens & Carsten W. Mueller & Prachi Joshi & Christoph Rosinger & Markus Maisch & Andreas Kappler & Michael Bonkowski & Georg Schwamborn & Lutz Schirrmeister & Janet Rethemeyer, 2023. "Stabilization of mineral-associated organic carbon in Pleistocene permafrost," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 14(1), pages 1-8, December.
    11. Zaman, Shah & Zaman, Qamar uz & Zhang, Leilei & Wang, Zilong & Jehan, Noor, 2022. "Interaction between agricultural production, female employment, renewable energy, and environmental quality: Policy directions in context of developing economies," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 186(C), pages 288-298.
    12. Bashir, Muhammad Farhan & Shahbaz, Muhammad & Malik, Muhammad Nasir & Ma, Beiling & Wang, Jianming, 2023. "Energy transition, natural resource consumption and environmental degradation: The role of geopolitical risk in sustainable development," Resources Policy, Elsevier, vol. 85(PA).
    13. Michail-Alexandros Kourtis & Michael Batistatos & Georgios Xylouris & Andreas Oikonomakis & Dimitris Santorinaios & Charilaos Zarakovitis & Ioannis Chochliouros, 2023. "Energy Efficiency in Agriculture through Tokenization of 5G and Edge Applications," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(13), pages 1-16, July.
    14. Farida M. Issatayeva & Gulnara M. Aubakirova & Aliya D. Maussymbayeva & Lyussiya I. Togaibayeva & Valery V. Biryukov & Elena Vechkinzova, 2023. "Fuel and Energy Complex of Kazakhstan: Geological and Economic Assessment of Enterprises in the Context of Digital Transformation," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(16), pages 1-23, August.
    15. Salil Bharany & Sandeep Sharma & Osamah Ibrahim Khalaf & Ghaida Muttashar Abdulsahib & Abeer S. Al Humaimeedy & Theyazn H. H. Aldhyani & Mashael Maashi & Hasan Alkahtani, 2022. "A Systematic Survey on Energy-Efficient Techniques in Sustainable Cloud Computing," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(10), pages 1-89, May.
    16. Zaman, Qamar uz & Zhao, Yuhuan & Zaman, Shah & Alenezi, Marim & Jehan, Noor, 2023. "Spatial evaluation of multidimensional energy poverty between farming and non-farming communities of agro-climatic zones of Pakistan," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 172(C).
    17. Rizal Taufiq Fauzi & Patrick Lavoie & Luca Sorelli & Mohammad Davoud Heidari & Ben Amor, 2019. "Exploring the Current Challenges and Opportunities of Life Cycle Sustainability Assessment," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(3), pages 1-17, January.
    18. Onifade, Moshood & Adebisi, John Adetunji & Shivute, Amtenge Penda & Genc, Bekir, 2023. "Challenges and applications of digital technology in the mineral industry," Resources Policy, Elsevier, vol. 85(PB).
    19. Sehrish Atif, 2023. "Mapping circular economy principles and servitisation approach in business model canvas: an integrated literature review," Future Business Journal, Springer, vol. 9(1), pages 1-21, December.
    20. Thriveni Thenepalli & Ramakrishna Chilakala & Lulit Habte & Lai Quang Tuan & Chun Sik Kim, 2019. "A Brief Note on the Heap Leaching Technologies for the Recovery of Valuable Metals," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(12), pages 1-10, June.
    21. R. Anthony Hodge & Magnus Ericsson & Olof Löf & Anton Löf & Paul Semkowich, 2022. "The global mining industry: corporate profile, complexity, and change," Mineral Economics, Springer;Raw Materials Group (RMG);Luleå University of Technology, vol. 35(3), pages 587-606, December.
    22. Elisabeth Clausen & Aarti Sörensen, 2022. "Required and desired: breakthroughs for future-proofing mineral and metal extraction," Mineral Economics, Springer;Raw Materials Group (RMG);Luleå University of Technology, vol. 35(3), pages 521-537, December.
    23. Ahakwa, Isaac & Xu, Yi & Tackie, Evelyn Agba & Odai, Leslie Afotey & Sarpong, Francis Atta & Korankye, Benard & Ofori, Elvis Kwame, 2023. "Do natural resources and green technological innovation matter in addressing environmental degradation? Evidence from panel models robust to cross-sectional dependence and slope heterogeneity," Resources Policy, Elsevier, vol. 85(PB).
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

    Most related items

    These are the items that most often cite the same works as this one and are cited by the same works as this one.
    1. Rasool, Samma Faiz & Zaman, Shah & Jehan, Noor & Chin, Tachia & Khan, Saleem & Zaman, Qamar uz, 2022. "Investigating the role of the tech industry, renewable energy, and urbanization in sustainable environment: Policy directions in the context of developing economies," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 183(C).
    2. Zaman, Qamar uz & Zhao, Yuhuan & Zaman, Shah & Shah, Aadil Hameed, 2023. "Examining the symmetrical effect of traditional energy resources, industrial production, and poverty lessening on ecological sustainability: Policy track in the milieu of five neighboring Asian econom," Resources Policy, Elsevier, vol. 83(C).
    3. Zaman, Qamar uz & Zhao, Yuhuan & Zaman, Shah & Alenezi, Marim & Jehan, Noor, 2023. "Spatial evaluation of multidimensional energy poverty between farming and non-farming communities of agro-climatic zones of Pakistan," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 172(C).
    4. Gumber, Anurag & Zana, Riccardo & Steffen, Bjarne, 2024. "A global analysis of renewable energy project commissioning timelines," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 358(C).
    5. John A. List, 2024. "Optimally generate policy-based evidence before scaling," Nature, Nature, vol. 626(7999), pages 491-499, February.
    6. Thomas S. Dee & Emily K. Penner, 2021. "My Brother's Keeper? The Impact of Targeted Educational Supports," Journal of Policy Analysis and Management, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 40(4), pages 1171-1196, September.
    7. Hermundur Sigmundsson & Monika Haga & Magdalena Elnes & Benjamin Holen Dybendal & Fanny Hermundsdottir, 2022. "Motivational Factors Are Varying across Age Groups and Gender," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(9), pages 1-13, April.
    8. Akashdeep Bhardwaj & Keshav Kaushik & Mashael S. Maashi & Mohammed Aljebreen & Salil Bharany, 2022. "Alternate Data Stream Attack Framework to Perform Stealth Attacks on Active Directory Hosts," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(19), pages 1-19, September.
    9. Kerstin Grosch & Simone Haeckl & Martin G. Kocher, 2022. "Closing the Gender STEM Gap - A Large-Scale Randomized-Controlled Trial in Elementary Schools," CESifo Working Paper Series 9907, CESifo.
    10. Surajit Bag & Shivam Gupta & Ajay Kumar & Uthayasankar Sivarajah, 2021. "An integrated artificial intelligence framework for knowledge creation and B2B marketing rational decision making for improving firm performance," Post-Print hal-03188195, HAL.
    11. Mohammed I. Alghamdi, 2022. "Optimization of Load Balancing and Task Scheduling in Cloud Computing Environments Using Artificial Neural Networks-Based Binary Particle Swarm Optimization (BPSO)," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(19), pages 1-20, September.
    12. Shabir Hussain Malik & Weizhong Fu & Samma Faiz Rasool & Gowhar Ahmad Wani & Shah Zaman & Najaf Ali Wani, 2023. "Investigating the Impact of Communication Factors and Stakeholders Engagement on Renewable Energy Projects in Pakistan," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(14), pages 1-14, July.
    13. Isabel García Gutiérrez & Daniel Elduque & Carmelo Pina & Rafael Tobajas & Carlos Javierre, 2020. "Influence of the Composition on the Environmental Impact of a Casting Magnesium Alloy," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(24), pages 1-20, December.
    14. Hermes, Henning & Huschens, Martin & Rothlauf, Franz & Schunk, Daniel, 2021. "Motivating low-achievers—Relative performance feedback in primary schools," Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization, Elsevier, vol. 187(C), pages 45-59.
    15. Muhirwa, Fabien & Shen, Lei & Elshkaki, Ayman & Hirwa, Hubert & Umuziranenge, Gloriose & Velempini, Kgosietsile, 2023. "Linking large extractive industries to sustainable development of rural communities at mining sites in Africa: Challenges and pathways," Resources Policy, Elsevier, vol. 81(C).
    16. Shun Jia & Yang Yang & Shuyu Li & Shang Wang & Anbang Li & Wei Cai & Yang Liu & Jian Hao & Luoke Hu, 2024. "The Green Flexible Job-Shop Scheduling Problem Considering Cost, Carbon Emissions, and Customer Satisfaction under Time-of-Use Electricity Pricing," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(6), pages 1-22, March.
    17. Keshav Kaushik & Akashdeep Bhardwaj & Salil Bharany & Naif Alsharabi & Ateeq Ur Rehman & Elsayed Tag Eldin & Nivin A. Ghamry, 2022. "A Machine Learning-Based Framework for the Prediction of Cervical Cancer Risk in Women," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(19), pages 1-15, September.
    18. Rodrigo Lozano, 2020. "Analysing the use of tools, initiatives, and approaches to promote sustainability in corporations," Corporate Social Responsibility and Environmental Management, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 27(2), pages 982-998, March.
    19. Ester Foppa Pedretti & Kofi Armah Boakye-Yiadom & Elena Valentini & Alessio Ilari & Daniele Duca, 2021. "Life Cycle Assessment of Spinach Produced in Central and Southern Italy," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(18), pages 1-20, September.
    20. Bashir, Muhammad Farhan & Ma, Beiling & Sharif, Arshian & Ao, Tong & Koca, Kemal, 2023. "Nuclear energy consumption, energy access and energy poverty: Policy implications for the COP27 and environmental sustainability," Technology in Society, Elsevier, vol. 75(C).

    Corrections

    All material on this site has been provided by the respective publishers and authors. You can help correct errors and omissions. When requesting a correction, please mention this item's handle: RePEc:eee:jrpoli:v:91:y:2024:i:c:s0301420724002186. See general information about how to correct material in RePEc.

    If you have authored this item and are not yet registered with RePEc, we encourage you to do it here. This allows to link your profile to this item. It also allows you to accept potential citations to this item that we are uncertain about.

    If CitEc recognized a bibliographic reference but did not link an item in RePEc to it, you can help with this form .

    If you know of missing items citing this one, you can help us creating those links by adding the relevant references in the same way as above, for each refering item. If you are a registered author of this item, you may also want to check the "citations" tab in your RePEc Author Service profile, as there may be some citations waiting for confirmation.

    For technical questions regarding this item, or to correct its authors, title, abstract, bibliographic or download information, contact: Catherine Liu (email available below). General contact details of provider: http://www.elsevier.com/locate/inca/30467 .

    Please note that corrections may take a couple of weeks to filter through the various RePEc services.

    IDEAS is a RePEc service. RePEc uses bibliographic data supplied by the respective publishers.