Routledge Handbook of Mining and Sustainable Development

While the extractive industries have often courted controversy for unsustainable and exploitative practices, in the past few decades practices in the mining sector have become much more sustainable and socially responsible. This comprehensive handbook shows how sustainable and equitable development concepts have been incorporated into the business of mining.


Chapters profile the cross-disciplinary approaches needed to drive further innovation and reform. Contributions from international scholars and practitioners span the mineral life-cycle, the range of mineral commodities and diverse extraction and processing methods from around the world. Case studies from mining regions in both developed and developing countries address key issues, including: social and community dimensions; energy and waste; air emissions and climate change; biodiversity, land and water impacts; health and safety; and infrastructure and employees.


Mining is by its very nature a landscape-transforming activity. This volume reveals that while mineral developments have the potential to disturb the environments, communities and economies surrounding ore deposits and processing sites, they can also bring economic, social and even environmental opportunities.