Trends in research related to circular economy in the mining industry during the period 2010-2024; [Tendências da pesquisa relacionada à economia circular na indústria de mineração no período de 2010 a 2024]

Ramos M.R.T.; Caja K.Q.; Hinostroza S.D.C. · Produccion y Limpia (2026) · DOI: 10.22507/pml.v21n1a3698

Resumen

Introduction: The transition to mining compatible with a circular economy is critical due to the volume of tailings and waste generated and the associated environmental risks; however, the scientific evidence remains scattered. Objective: To map and analyze the evolution of research on the circular economy applied to mining waste from 2010 to 2024. Materials and methods: A bibliometric analysis was conducted in Scopus with 491 documents and VOSviewer to build and visualize bibliometric networks. Results: An acceleration of scientific production was observed from 2019 onwards, with the highest volume in 2024, and a predominance of technical-environmental approaches (Environmental Sciences, Earth Sciences, and Engineering). The most frequent topics focused on waste and tailings valorization, applications with high scalability potential (construction materials and geopolymers), and impact control. Among the key actors, Canada led in productivity and impact; Mohammed VI Polytechnic University stood out, as did a core group of co-authors including Benzaazoua, Hakkou, and Taha. Conclusions: The literature shows solid progress in valorization strategies, but gaps persist in governance, economic viability, comprehensive sustainability assessment and regulatory criteria to scale up circularity in mining, guiding future research and decision agendas.

Instituciones: Universidad Continental; Universidad Nacional del Centro del Perú