A review of sustainable mining and resource management: Transitioning from the life cycle of the mine to the life cycle of the mineral

摘要

Application of sustainability principles to mining is inherently challenging, as mining is the act of removing and consuming a limited resource. However, consideration of sustainability meeting present needs without compromising needs of future generations is increasingly being incorporated into mine development and operation as demand for minerals and products of mining such as metals and fuel and non-fuel minerals and the environmental impacts associated with minerals extraction activities continue to increase. This paper provides a review of existing research literature and thought on sustainability in mining of non-fuel minerals.