Toward a Multidimensional Conceptual Framework for Sustainable Mining Districts: Advancing Strategic Territorial Planning in Colombia

Sustainable Mining Districts (SMDs) have recently emerged as a territorial governance approach for promoting sustainable mining; however, no integrated conceptual framework currently exists to support their strategic planning. This study develops the first multidimensional conceptual framework for SMDs by integrating evidence from the scientific literature, institutional analysis, and territorial characterization, using Colombia as an illustrative case. The results reveal a growing international research emphasis on sustainability, governance, and territorial planning in mining, together with an emerging institutional transition toward district-scale governance. These findings support the identification of eleven complementary planning dimensions—geological, mining, transformation, environmental, social, market, economic, financial, infrastructure, legal, and governance—that collectively characterize SMDs as integrated territorial systems rather than solely geological or administrative units. The proposed framework provides a structured conceptual basis for organizing multidisciplinary information and supporting strategic territorial planning through an illustrative set of key performance indicators (KPIs). Although conceived as a proof of concept requiring future empirical validation, the framework offers a foundation for evidence-informed planning and governance of mining territories in Colombia and other mineral-producing regions.