Evaluation and future framework of green mine construction in China based on the DPSIR model

Jinhui Chen,Izhar Mithal Jiskani,Chen Jinliang,Hui Yan

doi:10.1186/s42834-020-00054-8

Abstract

The idea of green mining was proposed as a practical approach to make the mining industry more sustainable than before. Green mining is a contemporary mining model centered on the sustainability of resources, environment, and socio-economic benefits. Its purpose is to develop and apply technologies and processes that increase environmental performance while maintaining competitiveness throughout the entire mining cycle from exploration to post-closure. Although the green mining strategy has achieved considerable significance, there is still a considerable gap between its research and practice. This study evaluates the situation of green mine construction in China and suggests a future framework. First, based on the Driver–Pressure–State–Impact–Response model, an evaluation index system composed of 20 indicators was established. The principal component analysis was used to analyze the data collected from mines situated in Yongcheng, China. The results show that the construction of green mines has improved significantly over the years. Energy consumption and pollutant emissions were minimized, the protection of the ecological environment was realized, and secondary processing of mining waste was practiced. However, there are still some unresolved problems, such as the utilization of solid waste, the recovery ratio from ore processing, and the reuse ratio of coal washing water. Thus, the strategic framework has been proposed for improving green mine construction and the sustainability of the mining industry.

Highlights

The mining industry plays a significant role in accelerating industrialization and urbanization, as it provides raw materials to meet the growing resource demand
The DPSIR model was adopted in the present study to develop an evaluation index system for green mining, which provides the scientific basis for industry experts, researchers, and other stakeholders
In this study, a multi-level evaluation index consisting of critical indicators for assessing the level of green mine construction was established based on the DPSIR model

Summary

Introduction

The mining industry plays a significant role in accelerating industrialization and urbanization, as it provides raw materials to meet the growing resource demand. It contributes to increasing foreign capital investment, exports, and employment, which are critical factors for socio-economic development [1, 2]. In China, the demand for mineral resources has increased in the past few decades [3, 4]. Sustainability has become a key issue in the modern world due to its importance in economic growth, social development, and poverty alleviation [2]. Since industrialization has posed an influence on the quality of human life and damage to the natural environment, Awan et al [11] highlighted that issues of environmental sustainability are widely recognized.

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion