A scientometrics view on sustainable development in surface mining: Everything from the beginning

In summary, the study on sustainable development in the late 20th century aimed to balance economic, social, and environmental factors in open-pit mining. The study found that while mining has negative ecological impacts, it also has positive economic and social benefits. The study analyzed 77 articles and found a growing trend in scientific interest in sustainable development research from 1985 to 2022. This suggests that there has been a growing trend in using qualitative research methods in studies related to sustainable development in the mining industry in the past ten years. This is likely due to a shift in focus toward finding ways to improve the positive impacts and mitigate the negative impacts of this development in light of technology advancements and changes in environmental and social regulations. This highlights the importance of using a comprehensive approach that considers all aspects of sustainable development in studying small-scale mining. Given the significance of small-scale mining to the economies of many mining communities, it is crucial to develop clear regulations and guidelines that align with the principles of sustainable development. This will help ensure that the industry operates responsibly and sustainably. This statement emphasizes the importance of updating research methods to reflect the latest technological advancements and the interdisciplinary nature of sustainable development. As technology and other fields of study continue to advance and intersect with the issue of sustainable development in the mining industry, it is essential to incorporate these new advancements and perspectives into future studies. This will help ensure that research in this area remains relevant and comprehensive. •Scientometric review sustainable development in mining.•Analysis of studies conducted in the field of sustainable development in mining.•Review of the most important journals of interest for researchers in the field of sustainable development in mining.•Summary of articles published in the field of sustainable development in mining in top journals.•Providing a suitable perspective for the research process in the field of SD in mining in three time periods.