Digitalization of the economy and sustainability of metallic mineral production

Minjing Zhu and Lei Zhu

Resources Policy, 2024, vol. 98, issue C

Abstract: Due to the adverse impacts of climate change on the environment and biodiversity, sustainability has become a critical issue. This paper investigates the impact of digitalization on the sustainability of metallic mineral production, particularly CO2 emissions, within the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP). Using data from 1998 to 2020 and the cross-sectional FMOLS technique, the study finds that a 1% increase in ICT investment reduces CO2 emissions by 0.32%, and a 1% rise in Internet access decreases emissions by 0.28%. However, electrification increases emissions due to higher energy demand and fossil fuel reliance. Economic growth and metallic resource trade volume also elevate emissions. Policy recommendations include smart urban development, sustainable rural electrification, fostering internet access, and implementing green logistics in metallic production trade to enhance sustainability in RCEP countries.

Keywords: Metallic resource production; CO2 emissions by metallic industry; Digital transformation; Internet access; RCEP region (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: L86 O33 Q32 Q52 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:eee:jrpoli:v:98:y:2024:i:c:s030142072400672x

DOI: 10.1016/j.resourpol.2024.105305

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