Document Type : Original Article
Authors
1 Department of Geography, Payame Noor University, Tehran, Iran
2 Master's student in Regional Planning, Payame Noor University, Tehran, Iran
Abstract
Objective: This study aims to develop and validate a comprehensive analytical framework for assessing the performance of mining cities in achieving urban sustainable development, with a specific focus on the Sangan–Khaf mining region as a case study.
Methods: The research is applied in nature and adopts a descriptive–analytical approach. The statistical population comprises residents of the Sangan region, which had a population of 26,564 according to the 2016 national census. Based on Cochran’s formula, a sample of 379 respondents was selected using simple random sampling. Data were analyzed through one-sample t-tests and multivariate regression analysis to evaluate both the sustainability status and the effects of mining city performance on urban sustainable development.
Results: The results of the t-test showed that economic dependence has the highest average of 3.645 and environmental challenges have the lowest average of 2.695; in addition, social impacts with an average of 3.127 are beyond the desired baseline, but the quality of governance with an average of 2.889 is below the desired average. In order to investigate the effects of the mining city's performance on sustainable urban development in the Sangan region, a multivariate regression analysis was used. Economic dependence has the greatest positive effect, and environmental challenges have the greatest negative effect. Social impacts and governance quality also have a significant positive effect.
Conclusion: Overall, the results indicate that urban development in the mining city of Sangan is predominantly driven by economic dependency on mining activities, which, despite its positive contribution to development, has not translated into balanced sustainability outcomes. Environmental degradation emerges as the most critical barrier to sustainable urban development, while weaknesses in governance further constrain long-term sustainability. Accordingly, without substantial improvements in environmental management and institutional governance, continued economic growth alone will be insufficient to achieve sustainable urban development in the Sangan–Khaf region.
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