
Abandoned mining sites in Africa have caused severe environmental, social and economic problems, including soil degradation, water contamination and safety hazards. This study aimed to investigate the adoption, impacts, and implementation strategies of Artificial intelligence (AI). for managing abandoned mining sites. The objectives were to identify factors influencing Artificial Intelligence adoption, analyse its impacts, examine adoption challenges and establish strategies for effective implementation of environments. The study is novel as it combined bibliometric analysis and qualitative insights from secondary data to provide a multi-dimensional understanding of AI in abandoned mining sites management. The study was guided by the Technology Acceptance Model and Innovation Diffusion Theory. Data was collected from Scopus indexed Journals and Web of Science, with bibliometric analysis revealing publication trends-authorship networks, and thematic clusters, while qualitative interpretation assessed impacts, challenges and strategies. Findings showed that technological readiness, environmental monitoring, socio-economic pressures, regulatory frameworks and industry 4.0 integration drove AI adoption .AI enhanced environmental restoration, risk prediction, operational efficiency and decision -making. Adoption was constrained by data and technology gaps, financial barriers, skills shortages, weak policies and community resistance. Effective strategies included stakeholder engagement, infrastructure investment, capacity building, industry 4.0 integration and regulatory support. The study concluded that AI provides multi-dimensional benefits but requires coordinated technological, institutional and community efforts. Recommendations include strengthening technology, training, policy and stakeholder participation. Future research should focus on country specific case studies, long term impact evaluation, policy effectiveness and interdisciplinary approaches to improve sustainable mining management.
Abandoned mining sites, adoption challenges, Africa, artificial intelligence, environmental restoration
Abandoned mining sites, adoption challenges, Africa, artificial intelligence, environmental restoration
| selected citations These citations are derived from selected sources. This is an alternative to the "Influence" indicator, which also reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically). | 0 | |
| popularity This indicator reflects the "current" impact/attention (the "hype") of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network. | Average | |
| influence This indicator reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically). | Average | |
| impulse This indicator reflects the initial momentum of an article directly after its publication, based on the underlying citation network. | Average |
