A Multi-objective Zoning Framework for Mineral Resources Development and Management: A Case Study in Henan Province, China

Sustainable development of mineral resources (MRs) is important for a national strategy of resource security and ecological civilization. Reasonable zoning of MRs for development and management is key. In this study, we developed a multi-objective framework for MRs zones (MRZs), including indicator sets and dividing processes, after evaluating and grading indicators of 131 county-level units in Henan Province, China. We used this framework to customize resource management measures for all kinds of MRZs. The dominant criteria in the zoning evaluation system were resource conditions, development and utilization conditions, ecological environment conditions, and socioeconomic conditions, which included ecological priority, resource security, and socioeconomic development. Discriminant analyses, spatial superposition, cluster analyses, and exclusion method in ArcGIS were used to divide the study area into five categories: prohibited MRZ, restricted MRZ, key MRZ, optimal MRZ, and common MRZ. The results indicated the obvious regional characteristics of MRZ distribution in Henan Province, with 32 restricted MRZs, seven key MRZs, three optimal MRZs, and 23 common MRZs. Prohibited MRZs were located in 51 counties. For the different MRZ types, specific management measures were put forward to improve the layout structure and facilitate the future MRs planning.