1
Return

Toward responsible mining: Linking ESG strategies with spatial analysis in Zambia's copper mining industry

delete2026-03-01
delete1
delete
OA
AI
M
Mehrnoosh Heydari *
N
Noskov, Alexey
B
Barron, Karla Cervantes
M
Mehmet Metehan Ciftci
B
Baptiste Andrieu
C
Chabala, Roseta Mwape
S
Serrenho, Andre Cabrera
M
Matokwani, Mwansa
C
Cullen, Jonathan M.
DOI:10.1016/j.exis.2026.101908delete
deleteOriginal
deleteShare
deleteSave
View PDF
Abstract

Abstract

En 中文
Concerns over the environmental and social impacts of mining have prompted the development of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) frameworks to guide companies toward more responsible practices. While these frameworks have improved accountability, their effectiveness in addressing localized impacts remains uncertain, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, with lower transparency and limited data. This study combines a review of mining-related mitigation measures with a geospatial analysis of Zambia's copper mining sector to evaluate environmental risks and social vulnerabilities. The environmental assessment identified localized deforestation patterns and mapped overland water-flow paths, enabling the proposed placement of targeted water-quality monitoring stations where runoff from mine sites enters protected areas. A quantitative scoring method utilizing demographic and infrastructure indicators (roads, buildings, and public services) was applied to assess site-level social conditions across ten mine Local Impact Areas (LIAs). The results show that newer mines established after the re-privatization era (post-2000), such as Trident (3.2) and Lumwana (1.4), exhibit smaller and more localized impacts compared to older Copperbelt operations, including Mufulira (6.8) and Chibuluma South (5.6). These differences reflect stronger ESG compliance, improved infrastructure, historical land-use patterns, and reduced population pressures around newer mines. By integrating ESG mitigation strategies with spatial analysis, this study provides a practical, site-specific framework that can support more sustainable mining practices in Zambia and offers broader applicability to other resource-rich regions facing similar governance challenges.
Keywords:
Environmental, Social, and Governance
Mining impact
Geospatial analysis
Mitigation measures
Sustainable mining
Copper mining
AI Summary

AI Summary

Key information extracted from the uploaded paper, including a brief overview, abstract, background, key highlights, visual analysis, and future outlook.

Journal

Extractive Industries and Society cover
Extractive Industries and Society
IF:
4.3
Papers:
893
Citations:
4.3K

Organization

U
university of cambridge
Scholars:
6.8K
Papers: 3.2K
Citations: 3
U
university of london
Scholars:
21.3W
Papers: 19.6W
Citations: 302
U
university of oxford
Scholars:
9.6W
Papers: 8.5W
Citations: 137
Cited Papers

Cited Papers

Citing Papers

Citing Papers