Resources melioration and the circular economy: Sustainability potentials for mineral, mining and extraction sector in emerging economies

In this editorial we present the content and key theoretical aspects of studies in the virtual special issue on resources melioration and the circular economy. Sustainability, resource melioration, and circular economy concepts that provide the foundation of these studies are described in this editorial. Important conceptual themes from the special issue studies are presented. Eleven included studies grouped into five categories are summarized. Major theoretical developments and the practical implications are summarized. Energy efficiency, material resource efficiency, circular economy models, decision and policy support are the key perspectives identified. Numerous practical policy and managerial implications are summarized. Overall, it would behoove policy makers and practitioners to adopt resources circularity for extracted resources, minerals, and mining, sectors, especially for emerging economies.

Automated summary

This editorial presents the content and key theoretical aspects of studies in the virtual special issue on resources melioration and the circular economy. It describes the concepts of sustainability, resource melioration, and circular economy that serve as the foundation for these studies. It highlights the important conceptual themes from the special issue studies and summarizes the included studies in five categories. The major theoretical developments and practical implications are also summarized, with a focus on energy efficiency, material resource efficiency, circular economy models, decision and policy support. The article concludes that adopting resources circularity is crucial for policy makers and practitioners, especially in the sectors of extracted resources, minerals, and mining, particularly in emerging economies.