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The Caucasus is characterized by the large and at the same time increasing load from exploited metal and non-metallic mines. The sanitary-hygienic and toxic danger to people and the environment is quite high. There are 44 metal ores in the Syunik Region, and more than 90 non-metal deposits. In 2018, 12 metal and 29 non-metallic deposits were granted with the use rights for the purpose of mineral extraction. Also, geological survey permission was granted for 12 metal deposits. Currently, there are 12 operating and conserved tailings filled with about 400 million m3 of tailings, which are equipped with many heavy metals and other dangerous substances, as the result of the exploitation of the metal mines in Syunik. The present study focuses on the ecological assessment of the waters of the Voghji and the Khalaj Rivers that are located in the technogenic polluted zone of the Caucasus. The research revealed that along with the increase of the volumes of the Kapan-Qajaran copper-molybdenum mines, as well as the increase of the rock dumps and tailings, the organoleptic-chemical indicators of the waters of the Voghji and the Khalaj Rivers had increased. The quantity of the suspended particles and the heavy metals in the waters of these rivers had increased 1.5 and 2.0 times or by 58–100 % and 19.5 − 29.8 %, respectively, in the last 10 years. The trends are also observed in the values of the sulfates, the total dissolved salts, and the electrical conductivity, which are due to the chemical composition of the ores and the improper management of the acid drainage. The content of the heavy metals in the waters of the mentioned rivers is 9 − 20 times higher than the permissible limit density, and the degree of the mineralization is above the permissible limit. Thus, the waters of these rivers, after mixing with the effluent from the mining industry, are not guaranteed to be used for irrigation. Considering that the mobility of the heavy metals decreases several times in the alkaline environment (pH 8.5 − 9.0), it is recommended that the mining industry constantly adds lime (CaO) to the acid drainage of the mines so that the pH of the water become lower: from acid to alkaline (pH 8.5 − 9.0) and only after that, the water could be used for irrigation of the agricultural crops. This is possible for many types of heavy metals, including when using other wastewater treatment measures: engineering, physicochemical and biological.

In this paper we address governmentality and the politics of water rights by examining the Nevada Division of Water Resources (the Division)’s governance associated with water indicators and accounting practices. We are specifically interested in the political work of water indicators and accounting practices as they are produced, applied, and contested – work that generates advantages for Nevada’s mining industry. We focus on perennial yield, an important indicator used by the Division, and examine accounting practices in which mining water rights are designated as temporary and nonconsumptive. We examine how these water indicators and accounting practices are deployed in ways that 1) make groundwater legible and apportionable in ways that advantage the mining industry; 2) reduce the visibility of mining access to groundwater; and 3) enhance the resource state’s objectivity and legitimacy.

Ore hauling operations are crucial within the mining industry as they supply essential minerals to production plants. Conducted with sophisticated and high-cost operational equipment, these operations demand meticulous planning to ensure that production targets are met while optimizing equipment utilization. In this study, we present an algorithm to determine the minimum amount of hauling equipment required to meet the ore transport target. To achieve this, a mathematical model has been developed, considering it as a parallel machine scheduling problem with different speeds and release times, focusing on minimizing both the completion time and the costs associated with equipment use. Additionally, another algorithm was developed to allow the tactical evaluation of these two variables. These procedures and the model contribute significantly to decision-makers by providing a systematic approach to resource allocation, ensuring that loading and hauling equipment are utilized to their fullest potentials while adhering to budgetary constraints and operational schedules. This approach optimizes resource usage and improves operational efficiency, facilitating continuous improvement in mining operations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to analyze the impact of corporate governance on corporate social responsibility disclosure (CSRD) in Indonesia's mining sector during the 2014-2018 period. The study focused on 60 companies, selecting 30 through purposive sampling, resulting in 150 observations. Panel data regression was employed for analysis. Key findings include: First, board size (BSIZE) positively and significantly influences CSRD, suggesting that a larger board enhances diversity and improves oversight, aligning with agency theory. Second, board independence (IND) also positively impacts CSRD, indicating that independent directors encourage greater transparency in social and environmental responsibility disclosures, ensuring alignment with shareholder interests. Conversely, gender diversity on the board (DIV) and the audit committee (AC) do not significantly affect CSRD. The findings imply that the audit committee's focus on financial matters may limit its oversight of CSR activities. This study contributes to corporate governance and CSR literature in the mining sector, offering practical insights for companies to enhance CSR disclosure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The adoption of the Internet of Things (IoT) in the mining industry can dramatically enhance the safety of workers while simultaneously decreasing monitoring costs. By implementing an IoT solution consisting of a number of interconnected smart devices and sensors, mining industries can improve response times during emergencies and also reduce the number of accidents, resulting in an overall improvement of the social image of mines. Thus, in this paper, a robust end-to-end IoT system for supporting workers in harsh environments such as in mining industries is presented. The full IoT solution includes both edge devices worn by the workers in the field and a remote cloud IoT platform, which is responsible for storing and efficiently sharing the gathered data in accordance with regulations, ethics, and GDPR rules. Extended experiments conducted to validate the IoT components both in the laboratory and in the field proved the effectiveness of the proposed solution in monitoring the real-time status of workers in mines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Caucasus is characterized by the large and at the same time increasing load from exploited metal and non-metallic mines. The sanitary-hygienic and toxic danger to people and the environment is quite high. There are 44 metal ores in the Syunik Region, and more than 90 non-metal deposits. In 2018, 12 metal and 29 non-metallic deposits were granted with the use rights for the purpose of mineral extraction. Also, geological survey permission was granted for 12 metal deposits. Currently, there are 12 operating and conserved tailings filled with about 400 million m3 of tailings, which are equipped with many heavy metals and other dangerous substances, as the result of the exploitation of the metal mines in Syunik. The present study focuses on the ecological assessment of the waters of the Voghji and the Khalaj Rivers that are located in the technogenic polluted zone of the Caucasus. The research revealed that along with the increase of the volumes of the Kapan-Qajaran copper-molybdenum mines, as well as the increase of the rock dumps and tailings, the organoleptic-chemical indicators of the waters of the Voghji and the Khalaj Rivers had increased. The quantity of the suspended particles and the heavy metals in the waters of these rivers had increased 1.5 and 2.0 times or by 58–100 % and 19.5 − 29.8 %, respectively, in the last 10 years. The trends are also observed in the values of the sulfates, the total dissolved salts, and the electrical conductivity, which are due to the chemical composition of the ores and the improper management of the acid drainage. The content of the heavy metals in the waters of the mentioned rivers is 9 − 20 times higher than the permissible limit density, and the degree of the mineralization is above the permissible limit. Thus, the waters of these rivers, after mixing with the effluent from the mining industry, are not guaranteed to be used for irrigation. Considering that the mobility of the heavy metals decreases several times in the alkaline environment (pH 8.5 − 9.0), it is recommended that the mining industry constantly adds lime (CaO) to the acid drainage of the mines so that the pH of the water become lower: from acid to alkaline (pH 8.5 − 9.0) and only after that, the water could be used for irrigation of the agricultural crops. This is possible for many types of heavy metals, including when using other wastewater treatment measures: engineering, physicochemical and biological. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper we address governmentality and the politics of water rights by examining the Nevada Division of Water Resources (the Division)’s governance associated with water indicators and accounting practices. We are specifically interested in the political work of water indicators and accounting practices as they are produced, applied, and contested – work that generates advantages for Nevada’s mining industry. We focus on perennial yield, an important indicator used by the Division, and examine accounting practices in which mining water rights are designated as temporary and nonconsumptive. We examine how these water indicators and accounting practices are deployed in ways that 1) make groundwater legible and apportionable in ways that advantage the mining industry; 2) reduce the visibility of mining access to groundwater; and 3) enhance the resource state’s objectivity and legitimacy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The recent African scramble has resulted in uneven and combined development (UCD) in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) throughout the 21st century due to unequal exchange. South Africa plays a sub-imperial role in this scramble in SSA. It both exploits and is exploited. The mining industry in South Africa has attracted interest from colonial powers, English-speaking businesses, and foreign investors, making it a highly lucrative sector. Furthermore, most black South Africans have been employed in the mining industry since the late 19th century. Over the past 25 years, the African National Congress government has utilised the mining industry to achieve economic transformation through black economic empowerment policies. This study proposes that the mining sector in South Africa is responsible for the ongoing UCD, despite receiving new investments and empowerment policies. South Africa's inclusion in BRICS has broadened its range of international partners beyond its traditional Western or African counterparts. However, South Africa's decision to join the BRICS group in 2011 has not yet yielded the expected transformation in the country's economy and growth. As a result, it is uncertain whether South Africa's BRICS membership has addressed the country's persistent problem of UCD. This study argues that South Africa's BRICS membership has exacerbated UCD in the country. This study proposes that Trotsky's UCD analytical framework is useful for analysing South Africa's policy choice to join BRICS, which strengthens its sub-imperial role. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of the paper is to identify factors associated with operational factor (OF), geo-environmental factor (GEF), and managerial factor (MF) from the literature. After identification, the study intended to assess the impact of geo-environmental factors and managerial factors on operational factors of the mining industry. The study also tests the indirect effect of managerial factors between GEF and OF in the Indian environment. The geographical boundary of the study was 06 large mines of Odisha, Jharkhand, and Chhattisgarh of India. Three hundred and twenty nine number of purposive samples were collected via email and filtered and processed through the SPSS package. To find out the complex role and inter-relationship of GEF and MF on OF, the study adopted the structural equation modelling technique. The finding reflects that MF plays a partial mediation among GEF and OF. This phenomenon is completely novel in its field when it comes to the geo-environmental and management difficulties confronting mining operations. This research can aid managers in identifying key geological and environmental concerns in mining operations, as well as providing data for regulatory compliance. Overall, this study's findings can help management create policies and manage the environmental concerns of the mining sector. The study's findings provide important directions for future Indian mining research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While digital twins (DTs) have recently gained prominence as a viable option for creating reliable asset representations, many existing frameworks and architectures in the literature involve the integration of different technologies and paradigms, including the Internet of Things (IoTs), data modeling, and machine learning (ML). This complexity requires the orchestration of these different technologies, often resulting in subsystems and composition frameworks that are difficult to seamlessly align. In this paper, we present a scalable compositional framework designed for the development of a DT-based production management system (PMS) with advanced production monitoring capabilities. The conducted approach used to design the compositional framework utilizes the Factory Design and Improvement (FDI) methodology. Furthermore, the validation of our proposed framework is illustrated through a case study conducted in a phosphate screening station within the context of the mining industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examines the role of the mining industry in promoting positive peace in post-conflict West Aceh, using qualitative content analysis of secondary data sources such as media and documentation. The findings reveal a significant gap between the current trajectory of the mining sector and aspirations for long-term peace. While the mining industry has transformative potential, its progress is marred by ecological damage and social injustices, particularly conflicts between local communities and mining companies over land tenure and environmental impacts. This study proposes a socially inclusive approach to mining development that balances economic benefits with sustainable peacebuilding. Key recommendations include stronger environmental regulations, increased community participation in all phases of mining projects, and robust conflict resolution mechanisms. This study is limited by its reliance on secondary data, which may not fully capture local nuances and may be biased by media sources. Further research with primary data collection is recommended to validate and extend these findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The topics of digitalisation and project management have received increasing attention in the 21st century due to the important role they play in organisational success. Objectives: The article makes use of an exploratory approach to determine the push factors and challenges disrupting digitalisation as well as the key success factors that influence the use of digitalisation to support project managers in a mining organisation. Method: A qualitative approach was undertaken in this study, categorised by an interpretive lens. Twelve authoritative capacity participants were purposively selected and interviewed face-to-face to identify the subjective nature of reality and phenomena. Results: The study findings strongly suggest that, in order to improve project management digitalisation within the organisation and improve organisational efficiency, consideration should be given to the push factors for digitalisation. However, challenges such as resistance to change and infrastructure limitations disrupt the digitalisation process. The findings also revealed that key success factors include leadership and organisational support, which should also be taken into account when implementing digitalisation. Conclusion: It can be concluded that the aim of the study has been met and the research objective reached. Contribution: Given the importance of project management digitalisation, especially in the mining sector, the study makes a unique and meaningful contribution through empirically determined findings. Specifically, this study contributes to the body of knowledge by providing influential factors for digitalising project management. In addition, the development of the conceptual project management framework provides sound contributions to further advance the field of study.

Mining activities, as essential components of industrial development, play a crucial role in the economy. However, they often entail significant environmental consequences, notably soil contamination by heavy metals. This article aims to comprehensively review the issue of soil pollution with heavy metals resulting from mining operations, focusing specifically on the ions of arsenic, cadmium, lead, mercury, and zinc. It begins by examining the sources and impacts of this pollution on soil, water, vegetation, wildlife, and human health. Various methods for monitoring and assessing soil contamination with these heavy metal ions are then discussed, including sampling, chemical analysis, remote sensing, and modeling techniques. Finally, a range of management and control strategies for addressing this form of pollution are presented, encompassing biological, chemical, and physical approaches, alongside innovative and sustainable practices within the mining sector. In conclusion, soil contamination with heavy metal ions from mining activities poses a significant environmental challenge, necessitating the implementation of diverse monitoring, assessment, and mitigation measures to safeguard human health and ecosystem integrity. Future research should prioritize developing innovative technologies for mitigating and remediating contamination from lead, zinc, cadmium, mercury, and arsenic, leveraging artificial intelligence and machine learning for predictive modeling and risk assessment, and promoting sustainable and environmentally friendly mining practices.

Life in che Antarctic requires capabilities that sound nearly mythical--powers of flight, swimming endurance, and fecundity--in an environment that is remote, cold, and windy. Here we present three animals that [...]

The mining industry is a sector aimed at the safe, efficient, green development, and clean, efficient, low-carbon utilization of mineral resources, serving as a foundational industry for economic and social development. In order to make mining development more economical, consider a more comprehensive range of factors, and optimize the design and development processes, in the late 1950s, operations research and computer technology were introduced into mining engineering, giving rise to a new discipline known as mining systems engineering. In its early stages, mining systems engineering primarily focused on the optimization of mining production processes and the use of computers in mine design, excavation planning, information processing, and application software development, with a predominant emphasis on open-pit mining as the research object. In recent years, research in mining systems engineering has closely integrated with big data, artificial intelligence, network technology, and has achieved fruitful results in areas such as mining information network construction, logistics systems, intelligent mining, equipment management, and safety management. This paper provides a detailed exposition of the origin and development process of mining systems engineering, with a chronological narrative based on international conferences on the application of operations research and computers in mining (APCOM), particularly the fifteen national conferences on mining systems engineering that have taken place. It objectively summarizes the developmental process and evolution of research content in mining systems engineering. Using the CNKI database as the data foundation, current research employs cluster analysis to study the publication volume, research objects, and their changes in mining systems engineering over the past 20 years. The future development of mining systems engineering should focus on the integration of systems science thinking with modern mining technology, establishing scientific systems and their boundaries, such as scientific mining systems, mine lifecycle systems, intelligent mine systems, and other eight major systems. The development of mining systems engineering will increasingly emphasize innovation and application in aspects such as digitization, intelligence, sustainable development, informatization, and automation, while continually expanding its application areas to achieve optimized, efficient, green, and low-carbon mining development.

Abstract The mining industry confronts significant challenges in mitigating airborne particulate matter (PM) pollution, necessitating innovative approaches for effective monitoring and prediction. This research focuses on the design and development of an Internet of Things (IoT)-based real-time monitoring system tailored for PM pollutants in surface mines, specifically PM 1.0, PM 2.5, PM 4.0, and PM 10.0. The novelty of this work lies in the integration of IoT technology for real-time measurement and the application of machine learning (ML) techniques for accurate prediction based on recorded dust pollutants data. The study's findings indicate that PM 1.0 pollutants exhibited the highest concentration in the atmosphere of the ball clay surface mine sites, with the stockyard site registering the maximum levels of PM pollutants (28.45 µg/m3, 27.89 µg/m3, 26.17 µg/m3, and 27.24 µg/m3, respectively) due to the dry nature of clay materials. Additionally, the research establishes four ML models—Decision Tree (DT), Gradient Boosting Regression (GBR), Random Forest (RF), and Linear Regression (LR)—for predicting PM pollutant concentrations. Notably, Random Forest demonstrates superior performance with the lowest Mean Absolute Error (MAE) and Root Mean Squared Error (RMSE) at 1.079 and 1.497, respectively. This comprehensive solution, combining IoT-based monitoring and ML-based prediction, contributes to sustainable mining practices, safeguarding worker well-being, and preserving the environment.

The European Union's energy policy has necessitated a reduction in coal mining, with significant consequences for occupational safety within the industry. This study investigates the correlation between employment reduction and accident risk within Poland's mining sector during 2006-2020, a period marked by over a 40% decrease in coal extraction and a corresponding 30% decrease in mining employment. An escalation in the relative risk (RR) of accidents was observed, increasing from 1.28 to 2.33. More critically, the RR of fatal accidents rose from 2.54 to 8.22 by 2019. Analysis revealed a critical employment threshold: a fall in mining employment below 140,000 is associated with a marked increase in accident risk, particularly fatal accidents. A linear model was developed to suggest that a reduction in the RR of accidents to 0.7 is requisite to achieve a national average risk for fatal accidents (RR = 1). The findings advocate for targeted safety interventions and propose a preventive strategy model. The implications are vital for policymakers and industry stakeholders aiming to improve worker safety in response to employment changes within the mining sector.

One of the prominent mining companies in Indonesia, PT Vale, have invested in vast corporate social responsibility programs in the fields of environment protection, social livelihood, employment, and economic resilience towards locals in mining areas. However, a common perception held among stakeholders have concluded that PT Vale could display greater care for its social programs, which would incorporate the interests of the community. Utilizing contemporary studies on stakeholder theory, this research provides insights of the mining industry, which have been expressed by vast stakeholders including government and Non-Government Organizations, in relation to aspects to consider before granting mining business licenses in the future. In doing so, it compares social programs between the current mining company (PT Vale) and the past (PT Inco), and determines what practices were favored by interest groups. After the distribution of questionnaires to four mine-affect areas in East Luwu Regency, Indonesia, government elites, community leaders, women figures, indigenous people, fishermen, local contractors and PT Vale employees perceived that in 2023, PT Vale have shown great progress in social, environmental management, and economic conditions compared to past mining companies. However, it founds that locals perceive a major deficiency, which is the low rate of local worker absorptions. This study contributes to the discourse of corporate social responsibility, and reveals community perceptions towards mining companies in affected areas.

Although multiview platforms have enhanced work efficiency in mining teleoperation systems, they also induce "cognitive tunneling" and depth-detection issues for operators. These issues inadvertently focus their attention on a restricted central view. Fully immersive virtual reality (VR) has recently attracted the attention of specialists in the mining industry to address these issues. Nevertheless, developing VR teleoperation systems remains a formidable challenge, particularly in achieving a realistic 3D model of the environment. This study investigates the existing gap in fully immersive teleoperation systems within the mining industry, aiming to identify the most optimal methods for their development and ensure operator's safety. To achieve this purpose, a literature search is employed to identify and extract information from the most relevant sources. The most advanced teleoperation systems are examined by focusing on their visualization types. Then, various 3D reconstruction techniques applicable to mining VR teleoperation are investigated, and their data acquisition methods, sensor technologies, and algorithms are analyzed. Ultimately, the study discusses challenges associated with 3D reconstruction techniques for mining teleoperation. The findings demonstrated that the real-time 3D reconstruction of underground mining environments primarily involves depth-based techniques. In contrast, point cloud generation techniques can mostly be employed for 3D reconstruction in open-pit mining operations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objective: Human errors are a significant issue in various work environments, including industry and mining. The present study aimed to assess occupational accidents in a large industrial mining company using the human factors analysis and classification system (HFACS) method. Materials and Methods: This study conducted a retrospective longitudinal analysis of 253 mining industrial accidents from 2011 to 2019 using the HFACS. Descriptive statistics, such as frequency and percentage of subgroups at each level, were calculated using the HFACS method and SPSS software. Inferential statistics, including analysis of variance, t-tests, and chi-square tests, were performed with a significance level of 0.05. Results: The type of accident was related to throwing/collision or contact with a foreign object, which resulted in a total of 232 injuries and one death. Statistical analysis demonstrated no significant link between the accident type and the educational levels of those involved, as indicated by a P-value greater than 0.05. Still, it pointed to a significant relationship with three other demographic variables: age, marital status, and work experience (P<0.05). The highest frequency and percentage of the causes of accidents were also due to organizational effects and unsafe practices. Conclusion: As evidenced by the obtained results, the frequency of human errors in the levels of unsafe supervision and unsafe practices significantly contributed to the occurrence of occupational accidents in the company. Analyzing accidents and understanding the relationship between causal factors at the four levels of the HFACS method is vital for implementing effective strategies to reduce accidents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Arctic's specific conditions require increased attention to natural and human capital. Therefore, implementing the principles of the sustainable development concept, balancing economic, social, and environmental goals is of paramount importance. Mining is at the heart of the strategy for the socio-economic development of Russia's Arctic territories. This study's objective is topical: to justify measures lifting the restrictions on sustainable development of AZRF (the Arctic Zone of the Russian Federation) mining regions. The authors propose a method to identify AZRF regions where mining determines the socio-economic development level (Komi Republic, Nenets Autonomous District, Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous District, Yakutia, and Chukotka Autonomous District). The multi-factor regression analysis conducted confirms the hypothesis that living standards and achievement of social standards in the AZRF mining regions depend on the income and fiscal capacity levels, which makes the state more responsible for the region's development. The authors prove the expediency of reconsidering the proportions of rental income redistributed between the budgets of the AZRF mining regions and the federal budget in favor of the former, until migration and natural population growth become positive and reach the target indicators of strategies of socio-economic development. The study's results can be used to justify the state policy while elaborating strategies for AZRF development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Orientation: This research focusses on the dynamics of job insecurity, job satisfaction and employee turnover intentions in the Indonesian mining industry facing significant global and local economic challenges. Research purpose: This research aims to investigate the influence of job insecurity and rewards on the turnover intentions of employees with job satisfaction as a mediating variable in the mining industry of Indonesia. Motivation for the study: This research is based on the observation that the mining industry faces high turnover rates, which can be detrimental to company operations and sustainability. Research approach/design and method: This research uses a quantitative approach by collecting data through surveys distributed to employees in various mining industries. The population in this study were employees of the mining industry in PT Vale Indonesia, totalling 3044 employees, and a sample of 230 respondents was taken at random. Main findings: The main findings show that job insecurity negatively influences job satisfaction, increasing employee turnover intentions. However, when companies implement a fair and adequate reward system, the negative impact of job insecurity on job satisfaction and turnover intentions can be minimised. Practical/managerial implications: The practical implication of this research is the importance of the mining industry developing human resource management strategies that not only focus on competitive compensation but also create a stable and satisfying work environment. Contribution/value-add: This research provides an important contribution to the development of human resource management by highlighting the mediating role of job satisfaction in the relationship between job insecurity and turnover intentions. These findings provide new insights for companies in overcoming employee retention challenges with a holistic approach and good reward system.

Soil contamination by lead, zinc, iron, manganese, and copper is a widespread environmental issue associated with the mining industry. Primary sources include mining activities, production and processing operations, waste disposal and management practices, and atmospheric sediments. Soil contamination and degradation, water pollution impacting aquatic ecosystems, plant absorption leading to agricultural product contamination, health risks associated with exposure to lead, zinc, iron, manganese, and copper, along with effects on fauna and biodiversity, constitute the primary environmental and health impacts of contamination.In this study, diverse sampling and analysis methods, geographic information systems, and remote sensing techniques are investigated for monitoring and assessing soil contamination with these metals. Soil modification techniques, phytoremediation, and other strategies for reduction and modification are considered among the most crucial, alongside health protection and risk management strategies. Finally, the article explores innovative methods and solutions for mineral waste management and remediation, the application of green chemistry and sustainable practices in the mining industry, and the utilization of artificial intelligence for controlling heavy metal ion pollution.

Mining activities are crucial in driving economic and industrial progress, yet they present significant environmental and public health challenges. This study evaluated a conventional physicochemical treatment and a Reverse Osmosis (RO) system for highly contaminated effluents generated during gold cyanidation within the mining sector. Total organic and inorganic carbon, heavy metal(loid)s (Cu, Fe, Mn, Zn, Cr, Pb, AsTOTAL), and CNTOTAL were monitored in the conventional treatment system and permeate product of a pilot-scale RO unit equipped with a BW30 membrane during approximately five weeks of in-situ operation. The conventional treatment process substantially reduced organic carbon load (e.g., 79% removal efficiency). However, it proved ineffective in lowering AsTOTAL and CNTOTAL concentrations, with levels ranging from 0.2 to 0.3 mg L−1 for AsTOTAL and 110–1620 mg L−1 for CNTOTAL after treatment, thus exceeding environmental standards. In contrast, the RO treatment achieved removal rates of approximately 99% for AsTOTAL and CNTOTAL, resulting in concentrations

Ecological Literacy (EL) is understanding and applying ecological principles to environmental issues. It involves recognizing the interdependence of living organisms and ecosystems and the impacts of human actions on the environment. EL individuals possess knowledge of biodiversity, ecological processes, and sustainability, enabling them to make informed, environmentally responsible decisions. This knowledge is essential for addressing ecological challenges and promoting sustainable development in all industries and communities. EL is a new concept in the mining industry introduced in this paper. Mining has a direct impact on ecology. This paper provides an overview of EL and its application in the mining industry, examining the potential benefits of EL for achieving sustainable and responsible mining. Results show that prioritizing EL Training (ELT) in the mining communities for countries with many mines has a higher priority than other industries. Also, in mining communities, ELT to workers, engineers engaged in mining, and government managers have a higher priority than other sectors in mining, respectively.