Enhancing Environmental Sustainability in the Mining Industry: Circular Economy Strategies for Resource Management and Digital Integration

Abstract

Effective natural resource management is essential for balancing economic growth with environmental sustainability, especially in resource-intensive industries. This study addresses critical issues in natural resource management, with a particular focus on the mining industry. It incorporates digitalization and supply chain distribution within the framework of the circular economy to achieve sustainability, mitigate land degradation, and realize economic benefits. In response to challenges posed by climate change, resource scarcity, and land degradation, the circular economy has emerged as a key objective, particularly in resource-intensive sectors like mining. The primary research question aims to identify the criteria and strategies that effectively support the transition to a circular approach in mining operations. To investigate this, the study employed the fuzzy analytical hierarchy process (FAHP) method to assess various criteria and sub-criteria. Subsequently, the fuzzy technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution (FTOPSIS) method was applied to rank the strategies, offering a comprehensive analysis of this decision-making challenge. The FAHP analysis indicates resource efficiency is the most crucial criterion, followed by supply chain and digital integration as top priorities. Additionally, the FTOPSIS analysis shows resource recovery systems, green logistics, and circular product design as the key strategies for fostering a circular economy approach within the mining sector. These findings give important guidance to policymakers and industry leaders. They help in creating sustainable strategies specifically for the mining industry. Through these strategies, stakeholders can achieve both environmental, economic, and social advantages.