Comprehensive quantitative evaluation of the future mining: A comparison of socio-economic benefits and eco-environmental impacts

Mineral resources are fundamental to national economic growth, while the mining activities associated with them inevitably generate some eco-environmental impacts (EEI). However, a quantitative comparison of socioeconomic benefits (SEB) and EEI in the context of future mining projects has not yet been sufficiently addressed. To rectify this, we have innovatively developed a comprehensive quantitative evaluation (CQE) model in this study. This model takes into account the positive benefits of national strategic significance, societal and economic aspects, and calculates the negative environmental impact (EI) and ecosystem service loss (ESL), all based on the characteristics of the regional eco-environment. We applied our CQE model to four representative gold deposits located in the Western Guangdong Gold Deposit Belt (WGGDB), South China, for a comprehensive quantitative evaluation. Our findings reveal that since it began operations, the Hetai mine has generated substantial socio-economic wealth (12565.45 million yuan). However, considering the Huangnikeng gold deposit's vast gold resource reserve (20.21 t), significant socio-economic benefits, and minimal eco-environmental impacts per ton, it emerges as the most promising candidate for development. This new model can enhance our understanding of sustainable development by providing a novel perspective that quantitatively evaluates the balance between socio-economic benefits and eco-environmental impacts. This comprehensive approach allows for more informed decision-making and responsible resource management.