In the heart of Croatia, Varaždin County is not just known for its rich cultural heritage but also for its abundant mineral resources, particularly construction sand and gravel. This wealth of resources has attracted significant investor interest, leading to the exploration of new areas and the expansion of existing exploitation fields. However, the economic value of these resources fluctuates with market conditions, necessitating continuous professional assessment. Enter Melita Srpak, a researcher from the Institute for Spatial Planning in Varaždin, who has developed a novel method to quantify sustainability indicators in mineral resource management and calculate an aggregated composite index (AKI).
Srpak’s research, published in the journal *Rudarstvo* (translated to English as ‘Mining’), focuses on the exploitation of construction sand and gravel deposits in Varaždin County. The study addresses the sustainability challenges characteristic of quarry operations, rather than large-scale mining projects. The objective was to create a new method for quantifying sustainability indicators (IPREGS)—spatial, resource-related, environmental, economic, and social—and for calculating an aggregated composite index (AKI).
The research establishes a cause–effect relationship between the quantified indicators (IPREGS) and the newly established aggregated composite index (AKI). Srpak applied multivariate analysis to questionnaire data, enabling the selection, weighting, and aggregation of indicators and the design of a conceptual framework for AKI calculation. “The resulting methodology provides an instrument for monitoring and improving sustainable mineral resource management, supporting the objectives of the circular economy,” Srpak explains.
The findings highlight the potential of the AKI to reduce systemic inefficiencies, guide policy development, and offer a transparent mechanism for assessing both implementation and effectiveness. This significantly improves the current state and strengthens the basis for evidence-based economic policy-making. The case study in Varaždin County further demonstrated that the AKI not only reproduces administrative decisions with high consistency but also clarifies how applicants should proceed in cases of partial acceptance and how policymakers can interpret conflicting outcomes across different index variants.
This research has profound implications for the energy sector, particularly in terms of sustainable resource management. As the world shifts towards a circular economy, the need for transparent and effective methods to assess sustainability becomes paramount. Srpak’s methodology offers a robust tool for achieving this goal, potentially shaping future developments in the field.
The study’s focus on quarry operations, rather than large-scale mining projects, makes it particularly relevant for the construction industry. By providing a clear and consistent framework for assessing sustainability, the AKI can help reduce inefficiencies and guide policy development. This, in turn, can lead to more sustainable and economically viable mineral resource management practices.
In conclusion, Srpak’s research represents a significant step forward in the field of sustainable mineral resource management. By providing a clear and consistent framework for assessing sustainability, the AKI offers a powerful tool for reducing inefficiencies, guiding policy development, and supporting the objectives of the circular economy. As the world continues to grapple with the challenges of sustainable resource management, this research provides a valuable contribution to the ongoing debate.