Nickel is an important key resource and plays an increasingly important role in new energy technologies. The stability of its worldwide supply chain is crucial for addressing country risks and unforeseen events. To explore the impact of country risks on the stability of the global nickel supply chain, this study conducts a complex network analysis and panel regression analysis on nickel ore, ferro-nickel, and the stainless-steel trade data from 2000 to 2022. The study reveals the mechanisms by which economic and political risks affect the trade structure of nickel commodities and identifies the drivers of global nickel supply chain patterns. The study finds that an increase in economic risk promotes diversification of supply sources, while political risk hurts export scale and resource control ability. Industrial structure adjustments and R&D investments have a significant impact on trade structure, especially on the stainless-steel trade. China is a major consumer and importer, and occupies a central position in the global nickel trade network, while Indonesia and the Philippines’ policy changes have a significant impact on the market. This study provides an empirical basis for the risk management of the global nickel supply chain and a scientific basis for policy formulation and strategic planning.

As the global demand for minerals critical to clean energy and technological innovation continues to rise, the sustainable exploitation of mineral resources in high-altitude regions becomes increasingly essential for global sustainable development. Employing SWOT analysis, deep learning, and heatmap techniques, this study delves into the mineral resource policies of China, the United States, Canada, and Chile, assessing their alignment with and impact on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Despite distinct policy frameworks, a shared focus on technological innovation and environmental sustainability is evident. China’s strategic resource allocation and stringent regulations drive a green, low-carbon shift, aligning with SDG 13 (Climate Action). The United States fosters SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) through market-driven technological advancements. Canada’s collaborative approach, emphasizing indigenous rights, underpins SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production). Chile’s national governance and international collaboration mix bolsters the mining industry’s efficiency and sustainability, supporting SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy). The study underscores a trend toward sustainable practices in mineral resource management and stresses the critical need for international cooperation. The study advocates for global collaboration and sharing of green mining technologies to accelerate the industry’s transition to a sustainable and responsible future and boost SDG achievements worldwide.

The Shuangwang Au deposit (with a gold resource of approximately 70 t Au), is located in the Fenxian-Taibai fore-arc basin in the West Qinling Orogen of central China. Igneous intrusions in the region include the Xiba granitic pluton and granite porphyry and lamprophyre dykes. The Xiba pluton is composed of granodiorite and monzonite granite. The granodiorite is typical I-type granite, and it yields a crystallization age of 221.1 ± 1.2 Ma and a two-stage Hf model age of 1432–1634 Ma. The monzonite granite shows a transitional characteristic between I-type and A-type granite, and it yields a crystallization age of 214.8 ± 1.2 Ma and a two-stage Hf model age of 1443–1549 Ma. The granitoid was derived mainly from a crust–mantle mixed source. The ages indicate that the granodiorite and monzonite granite formed during two different stages. The REE distribution patterns of the Xiba granitoid exhibit significant fractionation between LREE and HREE, showing right-dipping curves, with an enrichment of LREE and a deficit of HREE. The granodiorite displays a light negative Eu anomaly, while the monzonite granite displays an obvious negative Eu anomaly. The granite porphyry dikes are distributed in the No. I breccia and Jiupinggou granite porphyry, and they yield crystallization ages of 219.9 ± 1.5 Ma and 213.1 ± 0.89 Ma, respectively, and two-stage Hf model ages of 1382–1501 Ma and 1373–1522 Ma, respectively. The lamprophyre dikes in the deposit yield a crystallization age of 214.4 ± 2.7 Ma. After the collision event between the Yangtze and the North China Plates along the Qinling orogenic belt, at approximately 220 Ma in the Late Triassic, the detachment of the slab produced the upwelling of the asthenosphere material. Under conditions of mantle heat and tectonic stress, widespread partial melting of the subducted continental crust and the upper lithosphere mantle occurred, forming granitoids with various degrees of adakite characteristics.

The Qinghai-Xizang Plateau (QXP) in China is a geological treasure trove known for its complex structures and rich mineral resources. Among these, copper stands out as a critical metal for economic development. However, the exploitation of these resources is not without challenges, particularly in balancing the need for economic growth with the preservation of the plateau’s delicate ecosystem. In this study, we take into account the intricate interplay between human activities, environmental conditions, and economic strategies. By applying a pressure-state-response (PSR) framework and innovatively establishing a comprehensive potential evaluation index, we are able to quantify the development potential of copper deposits on the QXP and to identify key factors influencing the development potential. The results indicate a varied landscape of copper deposit development potential across the QXP. The state layer in the PSR model represents the most significant obstacle to the development potential of copper resources on the QXP. Certain areas, specifically central Xizang, eastern Xizang, and northwestern Yunnan, show high development potential for copper deposits due to favorable geological conditions and policy environments, and strong infrastructure.