The Peculiarities of Information Technology Application and Forensic Examinations in Combating Illegal Mining and Processing of Precious Metals. Technological and Forensic Solutions for Kazakhstan
Zhekebayeva S.Zh. Smagulov Z. Mukanov M.R. Urazalin B.T.
2025FrancoAngeli
Rivista di Studi sulla Sostenibilita
2025#10Issue 29 - 13 pp.
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.
environmental safety , forensic examinations , illegal mining , information technology , Kazakhstan , precious metals , social sustainability
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Law Enforcement Academy under the Prosecutor General’s Office of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Koshy, Kazakhstan
Academy of Management of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Astana, Kazakhstan
Kostanay Academy of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan named after Sh. Kabylbayev, Kostanay, Kazakhstan
Law Enforcement Academy under the Prosecutor General’s Office of the Republic of Kazakhstan
Academy of Management of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan
Kostanay Academy of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan named after Sh. Kabylbayev
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