An ISM-MICMAC Analysis for the Assessment of Barriers to Adopting Sustainable Practices in the Mineral Industry

The mineral industry of Pakistan possesses great potential and may contribute significantly to industrial development, infrastructure growth, and employment. Various sustainable challenges and new global market changes push the mineral industry to initiate sustainability in the sector. To address the sustainability concerns globally, mineral extraction policies were revised and implemented in many developed countries. However, developing countries could not foster sustainable development in the mineral sector. Therefore, the current study assessed the key barriers to implementing sustainable mineral extraction practices. An interpretive structure model (ISM), a well-established technique, was used to analyze the barriers and the interlinking of barriers with each other. The stockholders' input in understanding the barriers and a systematic literature survey suggested 11 leading barriers that hinder sustainable practices. Next, an ISM model was created based on those 11 barriers, revealing the hierarchy structure with four levels of influence. Finally, a MICMAC analysis was performed to classify those barriers into four clusters based on their driving and dependence power. The model results revealed that the independent cluster was characterized by weak dependence and strong driving power, lacking government support and a lack of government policy. Therefore, both barriers impact most of the other barriers to full implication sustainable practices in the mineral industry of Pakistan.