Reducing Carbon Footprint in Mining: Current Sustainable Practices and Future Directions

The mining industry is one of the largest contributors to global energy consumption and carbon emissions, making sustainability a critical focus for its future.This review explores current practices and emerging technologies aimed at reducing the sector's carbon footprint.Key advancements include the adoption of energy-efficient equipment, integration of renewable energy sources, and implementation of Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) technologies.Innovations in waste management, circular economy models, and digitalization-such as IoT-based monitoring systems and digital twin technology-are transforming operational efficiency and environmental performance.Despite these advancements, challenges such as high implementation costs and technical limitations persist.The review highlights the importance of policy support, industry investments, and collaborative approaches to drive widespread adoption of sustainable practices.Looking forward, technologies like hydrogen-powered machinery and biomineralization hold promise for achieving carbon-neutral mining operations, marking a pivotal shift toward environmental sustainability and long-term viability in the sector.