SOCIOECONOMIC IMPACTS OF MINING AND ITS RELATIONSHIP WITH THE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS

Abstract

Mining is a strategic activity for contemporary development, providing essential raw materials for industry, construction, energy production, and technological innovation. From a socioeconomic perspective, it presents an ambivalent character: while it drives economic growth, increases public revenue, generates employment, and strengthens regional production chains, it may also lead to economic dependency, social inequalities, pressure on public services, and territorial conflicts, especially in vulnerable communities. Furthermore, environmental impacts such as deforestation, water contamination, and soil degradation highlight the complexity of the relationship between mining and sustainability.This study aimed to analyze the socioeconomic impacts of mining and its relationship with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through a qualitative, descriptive, and exploratory literature review. Databases such as SciELO and Google Scholar were consulted, including publications preferably from 2020 to 2026, totaling 36 studies. Content analysis allowed the findings to be organized into economic, social, and environmental categories, linked to SDGs 8, 9, 12, and 15. The results indicate that mining contributes to regional economic dynamism and may foster local development, provided that it is associated with effective resource management. However, challenges related to productive dependency, socio-environmental conflicts, and systemic risks arising from environmental disasters were identified. It is concluded that aligning mining with the 2030 Agenda depends on robust environmental governance, integrated planning, and institutional commitment to responsible practices, ensuring a balance between economic growth, social justice, and environmental preservation.