Analyzing factors and resource policymaking options for sustainable resource management and carbon neutrality in mining industry: Empirical study in China

Abstract

The mining industry plays a significant role in economic growth for any country, nevertheless it has negative effects on the environment and society. To provide long-term economic, social, and environmental benefits, the mining industry must achieve sustainable resource management and carbon neutrality. The purpose of this research is to identify significant challenges and viable policy options for achieving sustainable resource management and carbon neutrality in China's mining industry. First, this study used the SWOT analysis to determine the challenges and policymaking approaches. Following, the multi-criteria decision making (MCDM) methods i.e. analytic hierarchy process (AHP) and simple additive weighting (SAW) methodologies are used to identify and evaluate the most critical challenges and feasible policy solution options. Therefore, this research identified five factors, seventeen sub-factors, and four policy options for the sustainable development of the mining industry in China. The results of the AHP method revealed that the regulatory framework, green mining practices, and waste management are the key factors that must be addressed in order for the mining industry to be sustainable. While the results of the SAW method showed that strengthening the regulatory reform is the most critical policy option to overcoming the challenges and achieving sustainable resource management and carbon neutrality in the context of the mining industry in China. Thus, sustainable mining development requires support between governments, mining companies, and stakeholders.