Renewable energy applications in mineral processing and mining operations: a bibliometric analysis and systematic literature review

This study presents a bibliometric analysis and systematic literature review of renewable energy applications in mineral processing and mining operations from 2000 to 2024, identifying key themes, trends, and future research directions. Using bibliometric analysis, text mining, and content analysis, the study aimed to: (i) capture the scientific evolution of renewable energy applications, (ii) provide a comprehensive overview of existing literature, and (iii) propose future directions. A total of 198 peer-reviewed articles were analysed from Scopus, JSTOR, and Taylor & Francis databases using the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses method. In addition to the systematic search, an ad-hoc sampling approach was used, meaning that additional studies cited within key selected articles were manually included, provided they met specific relevance criteria related to renewable energy in mining. The analysis identified four research areas: (1) sustainable development through renewable energy, (2) wind energy prediction using AI, (3) solar energy applications in mining, and (4) energy demand management.