Green mining with artificial intelligence: A path to sustainability

Author Identifier (ORCID)

Yasaman Boroumand: https://orcid.org/0009-0003-9716-4609

Abstract

Mining is a vital industry for supplying essential minerals crucial for technological advancement in engineering, medicine, and various other fields. Efforts to improve productivity, especially for strategic minerals, have accelerated with automation and artificial intelligence (AI). However, the rapid growth of this industry has raised concerns among researchers regarding sustainable development. This chapter examines the impact of AI in mines on sustainable development, considering social, economic, and environmental factors. Studies show that AI can positively affect environmental sustainability by reducing negative impacts and monitoring pollution. Yet, the significant initial capital required for infrastructure may challenge economic sustainability, though justifying this cost can enhance long-term economic viability. AI may increase knowledge and create new jobs while simultaneously reducing employment opportunities for manual laborers. Further comprehensive studies are necessary to establish frameworks ensuring that the use of AI aligns with sustainable development goals across all indicators.

Document Type

Book Chapter

Date of Publication

1-1-2025

Publication Title

Artificial Intelligence in Future Mining

Publisher

Elsevier

School

Mineral Recovery Research Centre / School of Engineering

Comments

Pouresmaieli, M., Boroumand, Y., Habibi, M., Maleki, R., Ataei, M., & Qarahasanlou, A. N. (2025). Green mining with artificial intelligence: A path to sustainability. In Artificial Intelligence in Future Mining (pp. 309–354). https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-443-28911-8.00007-X

Copyright

free_to_read

First Page

309

Last Page

354

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Link to publisher version (DOI)

10.1016/B978-0-443-28911-8.00007-X