Overall performance indicators for sustainability assessment and management in mining industry

Abstract

The mining industry is the source of the production of many consumer goods and equipment. Therefore, the companies that control this activity play a significant role in the global economy. However, it is an important source of pollution of water, air, soil and ecosystems by metals. It exploits fossil and non-renewable resources, requiring large amounts of energy and sometimes water. Thus, implementing a sustainable approach through an overall performance integration in manufacturing practices, is become a necessity in this sector. Hence, this research presents a collection of key performance indicators for overall performance evaluation and management in mining industry. The proposed indicators were established from literature on the basis of the sustainability triple bottom line of economic, social, and environmental factors. A survey is conducted then, in a Moroccan mining industry to validate the adaptability of the chosen indicators with the industry activities and practices. Future work will further develop an evaluation tool that will help managers to assess the overall performance in mining industry and to take the appropriate actions to increase its competitiveness.