Oscar Jaime Restrepo Baena

This study analyses the impact of mining activities on water scarcity in two contrasting mining regions: Zaragoza, Colombia, and Qabatiya, Palestine. Despite significant climatic and hydrological differences, both regions face substantial pressures on water resources and governance systems caused by mining. To assess these pressures on water security, the Water Poverty Index (WPI) has gained the attention as a holistic tool; however, its application in regions dominated by informal extractive economies presents a critical scientific gap; standard WPI methodologies rely heavily on low-resolution, macro-level secondary data, which inherently smooths out localized socio-environmental crises and creates a “compensation bias” in which temporary economic inflows mask severe ecological degradation. Furthermore, conventional frameworks fail to capture the dynamics of informal hydro-social governance, territorial conflicts, and non-conventional pollutants that characterize data-scarce extraction zones. To address this gap, this study applied four versions of the Water Poverty Index (WPI), Conventional, classic-inclusive, geometric, and arithmetic, to evaluate longitudinal changes between 2010 and 2025 under counterfactual baselines versus active extraction scenarios. The framework assessed six components: Resources, Access, Capacity, Use, Environment, and Cohesion, integrating both quantitative indicators and qualitative evidence. Results revealed that mining consistently reduced WPI performance in both localities, particularly within the Environment, Use, and Cohesion dimensions. Zaragoza exhibited a generalized decline across all WPI versions due to mercury contamination, institutional fragility, and social fragmentation associated with informal alluvial gold mining. At the same time, Qabatiya saw moderate infrastructure improvements, offset by groundwater depletion and environmental degradation from stone quarrying. The iWPI versions demonstrated superior sensitivity in capturing governance and socio-environmental degradation. The study concludes that water poverty in mining regions is multidimensional and driven by interconnected environmental, institutional, economic, and social pressures (as measured by the WPI), rather than by physical water scarcity alone.

Este artículo consolida y actualiza una literatura hasta ahora dispersa sobre optimización de minas a cielo abierto, integrando en un solo marco de referencia más de 90 publicaciones producidas entre 1965 y 2026 —desde el algoritmo de Lerchs-Grossmann hasta los enfoques contemporáneos de planificación integrada—, conectando por primera vez la teoría de grafos, modelos económicos, diseño computacional y la gobernanza ASG en una trayectoria conceptual unificada. La revisión demuestra que la disciplina dejó de ser un ejercicio puramente geométrico o económico para convertirse en un proceso multidimensional que incorpora incertidumbre, riesgo y sostenibilidad. Un elemento que refuerza su rigor es la delimitación de su alcance: se basa exclusivamente en literatura técnica y académica de acceso público, excluyendo deliberadamente los desarrollos propietarios de compañías mineras y módulos de software comercial, al no existir documentación pública sobre ellos, lo que la convierte en la consolidación más completa del conocimiento público.

A chain of custody (CoC) system, in which actors across the supply chain are certified and are involved in activities starting from extraction to the manufacture of the final product, will help to support the creation of a chain of verification for responsible practices and, at the same time, ensure that the products can be traced and verified to be from certified sources. This CoC system is increasingly being addressed in regulations and international standards to foster environmental, social, and governance (ESG) due diligence and responsible sourcing practices. However, despite its advantages, adoption remains slow and uneven. This suggests that there are barriers to practical implementation by industry actors. So, the aim of this research is to understand industry actors’ perspectives on the implementation of a CoC system in mineral supply chains and to identify the factors that influence its adoption. By doing so, this study presents insights from industry actors and formulates more realistic expectations for the uptake of CoC systems, as well as the aspects policymakers and standard-setters should consider when designing or promoting them. To capture their views, semi-structured interviews were conducted from June to September 2025, with 10 actors across the upstream, midstream, and downstream stages of the supply chain in different regions. This study finds a gap between what regulatory bodies expect and industry actors’ capacity to implement such a system, due to factors including limited awareness of the CoC system, perceived value of claims, a lack of guidance on implementation, technology immaturity, and supplier engagement challenges.

The strategic landscape governing extractive industries has undergone a profound transformation in the brief interval since the inaugural edition of this Special Issue in 2024

This study assesses the technical feasibility of cobalt recovery from tailings generated at a volcanogenic massive sulfide (VMS) deposit in northern Colombia, historically mined for copper with gold as a byproduct. Recent geochemical analyses revealed cobalt concentrations ranging from 450 to 480 ppm in both polymetallic concentrates and tailings. Geostatistical modeling (ordinary kriging), X-ray fluorescence (XRF), and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) were applied for elemental and mineralogical characterization. Results showed a strong correlation between cobalt and iron (R = 0.73), indicating an association with pyrite, pyrrhotite, and magnetite. Metallurgical tests included magnetic separation, roasting, and flotation, with flotation yielding the best results using Aerofloat 208, Aerofloat 31, and copper sulfate as activator. Cobalt concentrations up to 2,195 ppm were recorded in tailings, highlighting the potential for metal recovery. The study concludes that cobalt can be efficiently recovered as a byproduct within the main copper concentrate, supporting the valorization of mining residues and promoting circular economy and sustainable mining practices.

Este artículo presenta una metodología pedagógica de investigación aplicada con enfoque territorial, implementada en programas de ingeniería de la Universidad Nacional de Colombia. Ante la brecha persistente entre la formación teórica y las competencias prácticas demandadas, se diseñó un modelo de Aprendizaje Basado en Proyectos (ABP) o “aprender haciendo”, que utiliza problemáticas reales del contexto local y nacional como eje del proceso formativo. La metodología se desarrolló mediante un ciclo de investigación-acción, involucrando a más de 300 estudiantes. Los resultados demuestran un impacto significativo en la motivación estudiantil, la apropiación social de conocimiento y el desarrollo de competencias para la investigación. Se generó un banco con más de 30 casos de estudio alineados con los Objetivos de Desarrollo Sostenible (ODS) y una guía pedagógica para la replicabilidad del modelo. Se concluye que el anclaje territorial del ABP no solo fortalece la formación técnica, sino que promueve una ingeniería con mayor responsabilidad social y capacidad para el desarrollo sostenible.

Artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) constitutes an essential livelihood strategy for marginalized communities, yet it is also associated with severe environmental and social challenges. Persistent inequality and poverty underpin miners’ dependence on informal practices, where access to safer technologies is limited. Mercury use remains critical in ASGM, often mismanaged in processing, applied in amalgamation, and released into air, water, and soils. An estimated 1000–2000 tonnes are emitted annually despite Minamata Convention commitments. This paper examines how mining governance can foster sustainable transitions in ASGM, focusing on the Chilean National Mining Company (ENAMI) as a case study. ENAMI’s model—combining regulatory oversight, institutional support, and inclusive decision-making—shows how public governance can reduce mercury reliance, mitigate environmental degradation, and enhance social inclusion. Findings highlight the importance of regulation, community participation, capacity-building, and addressing structural inequalities as integral components of sustainability. The study argues that sustainable ASGM requires not only technical innovation but also culturally sensitive institutional reforms capable of overcoming resistance and promoting long-term behavioral change. By situating ASGM within the broader framework of sustainable rural development, this research provides insights for policymakers, practitioners, and scholars seeking to reconcile economic inclusion with environmental stewardship in vulnerable contexts.