Illegal mining and processing of precious metals in Kazakhstan cause significant environmental, social, and economic harm, undermining social sustainability by threatening community safety and ecological stability. The aim of the paper is to explore the application of information technology (IT) and forensic examinations in combating illegal mining and processing of precious metals, enhancing social and environmental sustainability. A dialectical approach was employed, using general scientific methods (analysis, synthesis, induction, deduction) and specialized methods (comparative-legal, formal-logical, statistical analysis). Data from 64 annual cases of illegal mining (2017-2022) were analyzed, alongside IT tools and forensic methodologies. IT solutions, such as video surveillance and UAVs with thermal imaging, reduced illegal mining incidents by 18% from 2020 to 2021. Forensic examinations, including gemological and chemical analyses, improved crime detection by identifying metal origins and enabling prosecution. Integrating IT and forensic examinations enhances law enforcement efforts, reduces environmental damage, and promotes social sustainability by protecting communities and aligning with SDG 15 and 16. Legislative improvements are recommended to legalize artisanal mining and control gold sales.
Zhekebayeva et al. (Fri,) studied this question.