Consequences of Khawf iron ore mining on sustainable development: a spatial-institutional analysis with a focus on food security and gender justice.

Document Type : Origional Article

Authors

1 MSc of Geography and Urban Planning

2 Associate Professor, Department of Geography and Urban Planning, Payam Noor University, Tehran, Iran

Abstract
abstract As one of the largest mines in Iran, Khavaf iron ore mine plays an important role in the economic and social development of the region. This study was conducted with the aim of investigating the multidimensional consequences of Sangan mining on the sustainable development of the region, focusing on food security, social justice and the environment. The data used include economic and social information of the region, GIS and remote sensing spatial data, and official mining statistics and reports. The findings show that mining plays a significant role in creating direct and indirect employment, increasing household income,The development of infrastructure and the growth of downstream steel industries have strengthened the economic capacity of the region. However, the negative effects of mining are also observed; including pressure on natural resources, land use change, destruction of vegetation, reduction of livelihood diversity and increase of social and spatial inequalities. Spatial analysis shows that the intensity of these effects is greater in areas close to mines and decreases with increasing distance. Also, the unequal distribution of economic benefits and resource governance limitations have made vulnerable groups, especially women and householdsagriculture, be more vulnerable to negative consequences. These results emphasize the necessity of a comprehensive and multidimensional approach for the sustainable management of mineral resources, including redistribution policies, participatory governance and environmental protection. Finally, the study shows that sustainable development in mining areas can only be realized by combining economic, social and environmental dimensions and the active participation of the local community, and mining can be exploited as an opportunity for regional development with proper management.

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Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 09 June 2026

  • Receive Date 05 April 2026
  • Revise Date 20 May 2026
  • Accept Date 06 June 2026
  • First Publish Date 09 June 2026
  • Publish Date 09 June 2026