Evaluating Ecological Shifts in Mining Areas Using the DPSIR Model: A Case Study from the Xiaoxing’an Mountains Metallogenic Belt, China

Mineral resource exploitation poses substantial pressure on regional ecological environments. The Xiaoxing’anling mineral belt—a critical ecological functional area and a major mineral-rich zone in China—exemplifies such environmental vulnerability. Conducting a scientific assessment of ecological changes in mining-affected regions is essential for balancing resource development and environmental protection. Based on the DPSIR (Driver-Pressure-State-Impact-Response) model, this study developed a comprehensive indicator system tailored for evaluating ecological changes in mining areas. Using the Xiaoxing’anling mineral belt in Heilongjiang Province as a case study, we integrated remote sensing, geographic information, statistical yearbooks, and field survey data, and applied an objective weighting method to quantitatively assess ecological changes from 2010 to 2020. The results indicate the following: (1) Ecological evolution exhibits significant spatiotemporal heterogeneity, with persistently high ecological pressure in the eastern region leading to continued environmental degradation. (2) Socioeconomic transformation driven by new energy development has weakened the overall development driver, though Yichun City remains a core driver due to its super-large mineral deposits. (3) Ecological impacts demonstrate a spatial spillover effect, extending to urban residential areas, while ecological response measures lag severely and are misaligned with pressure distribution—nature reserves have become high-value response zones rather than the actual mining sites. (4) The comprehensive ecological restoration index is on a downward trend. The measures currently adopted by society to improve the ecology of mining areas, such as using greener mining methods and increasing vegetation coverage, are unable to counteract the adverse effects of previous mining activities. This study identifies passive and lagging responses as the key bottlenecks impeding ecological recovery. We emphasize that future management strategies must shift from passive remediation to proactive intervention, and propose clear spatial and institutional directions for sustainable governance in mining areas.