2
DEVELOPMENT
Global Mining
The mining industry extracts valuable minerals and metals
from the Earth, which are essential to produce a wide range
of products. For example, iron ore is a key component of
steel, which is widely used in construction and manufac-
turing. Copper is vital for electrical wiring due to its high
conductivity. Rare earth elements are crucial for produc-
ing high-tech devices such as smartphones, computers, and
renewable energy technologies like wind turbines and elec-
tric vehicles (Escamilla, 2024). Without mining, the avail-
ability of these essential materials would be severely limited,
stifling technological and industrial progress. As Mashford
(2022) states, our daily lives depend on minerals and met-
als. We need them for almost every component of our mod-
ern world, as well as for the world we are building.
Statistical studies by the Federal Ministry of Finance
in its publication World Mining Data (2024) detail global
mineral production percentages by continent, highlighting
that minerals are the backbone of the economy.
Mining is indispensable for the modern world. Magnus
Brunner, Austria’s Minister of Finance, emphasizes that the
industry provides the raw materials necessary for techno-
logical innovation, economic growth, infrastructure devel-
opment, and energy production. As we continue to progress
and strive for sustainability, the mining industry must also
evolve, adopting practices that are more environmentally
friendly and considerate of the communities that host min-
ing operations. This is why, in a world where sustainability
and inclusion are global imperatives, the mining industry
plays a crucial role in economic and social development
worldwide (Sustainable Development, 2024).
Corporate Social Responsibility
Interest in sustainability and corporate social responsi-
bility has become an increasingly prominent issue in many
countries and industries, with none more so than the min-
ing industry (Jenkins &Yakovleva, 2006). The concept of
sustainable development is based on three dimensions: eco-
nomic development, environmental protection, and social
inclusion (National Geographic Spain, 2024). Therefore,
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is a key aspect in
the mining sector, as it involves the commitment to oper-
ate in ways that benefit both the environment and local
communities, aiming to minimize environmental impact,
respect local cultures and traditions, and foster economic
development in those communities. Now, in addition to
considering performance and maximizing profits, miners
must also think about their environmental footprint, com-
munity acceptance, and workforce inclusion (Mashford,
2022).
Mining as an Ally to Achieve the Sustainable
Development Goals
The goal of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals
(SDGs), part of the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda, is to
achieve equitable economic development, inclusive from a
social perspective, and sustainable from an environmental
standpoint (Sustainable Development, 2024). These goals
provide a common framework to analyze the most urgent
Figure 1. Total mining production 2022 by continents Figure 2. Sustainable Development Goals (UN,2024)
DEVELOPMENT
Global Mining
The mining industry extracts valuable minerals and metals
from the Earth, which are essential to produce a wide range
of products. For example, iron ore is a key component of
steel, which is widely used in construction and manufac-
turing. Copper is vital for electrical wiring due to its high
conductivity. Rare earth elements are crucial for produc-
ing high-tech devices such as smartphones, computers, and
renewable energy technologies like wind turbines and elec-
tric vehicles (Escamilla, 2024). Without mining, the avail-
ability of these essential materials would be severely limited,
stifling technological and industrial progress. As Mashford
(2022) states, our daily lives depend on minerals and met-
als. We need them for almost every component of our mod-
ern world, as well as for the world we are building.
Statistical studies by the Federal Ministry of Finance
in its publication World Mining Data (2024) detail global
mineral production percentages by continent, highlighting
that minerals are the backbone of the economy.
Mining is indispensable for the modern world. Magnus
Brunner, Austria’s Minister of Finance, emphasizes that the
industry provides the raw materials necessary for techno-
logical innovation, economic growth, infrastructure devel-
opment, and energy production. As we continue to progress
and strive for sustainability, the mining industry must also
evolve, adopting practices that are more environmentally
friendly and considerate of the communities that host min-
ing operations. This is why, in a world where sustainability
and inclusion are global imperatives, the mining industry
plays a crucial role in economic and social development
worldwide (Sustainable Development, 2024).
Corporate Social Responsibility
Interest in sustainability and corporate social responsi-
bility has become an increasingly prominent issue in many
countries and industries, with none more so than the min-
ing industry (Jenkins &Yakovleva, 2006). The concept of
sustainable development is based on three dimensions: eco-
nomic development, environmental protection, and social
inclusion (National Geographic Spain, 2024). Therefore,
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is a key aspect in
the mining sector, as it involves the commitment to oper-
ate in ways that benefit both the environment and local
communities, aiming to minimize environmental impact,
respect local cultures and traditions, and foster economic
development in those communities. Now, in addition to
considering performance and maximizing profits, miners
must also think about their environmental footprint, com-
munity acceptance, and workforce inclusion (Mashford,
2022).
Mining as an Ally to Achieve the Sustainable
Development Goals
The goal of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals
(SDGs), part of the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda, is to
achieve equitable economic development, inclusive from a
social perspective, and sustainable from an environmental
standpoint (Sustainable Development, 2024). These goals
provide a common framework to analyze the most urgent
Figure 1. Total mining production 2022 by continents Figure 2. Sustainable Development Goals (UN,2024)