THE CONTRIBUTIONS OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE TO ACHIEVING SUSTAINABLE ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT: A CASE STUDY OF THE MINING SECTOR

This study aims to clarify the contributions of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies in achieving sustainable environmental management, with a particular focus on their role in supporting sustainability principles within the mining sector, which is considered one of the most environmentally impactful industries. The study seeks to determine the extent to which AI applications contribute to the development and activation of environmental management systems, thereby promoting the optimal and rational use of natural resources and achieving the highest levels of efficiency in managing environmental operations. The study adopts an inductive and analytical approach by reviewing relevant Arabic and international literature and previous studies, and by analyzing the relationship between AI technologies and sustainable environmental management practices within a theoretical framework that highlights the mechanisms of integration between modern technology and sustainable development requirements in the mining sector. The findings reveal a statistically significant correlation between the application of AI technologies and the improvement of environmental management systems, as well as a significant positive relationship between AI applications and environmental sustainability. The study recommends increasing awareness among top and financial management in mining companies about the importance of adopting and implementing AI technologies to activate sustainable management systems and respond effectively to the rapidly evolving environmental changes. It further recommends continuing research on the advantages of adopting AI technologies, particularly in demonstrating their impact on the mining sector. Additionally, the study highlights the necessity of establishing a fundamental AI infrastructure - including hardware systems, operating platforms, storage media, and software operating within advanced technical environments and data centers—to ensure efficient utilization of all available assets. Finally, it emphasizes the importance of embedding environmental management principles both internally and externally to guarantee the optimal use of natural resources.