Solid mineral development and Chinese economic growth: Role of technological advancement

Mineral development and technological advancement are vital components underpinning economic progress. Their association often stimulates structural transformation, increases productivity, and fosters innovation within economies. This study focused on assessing the impact of solid mineral development on economic growth accompanied by technological advancement in China from 1990 to 2022. The ARDL method has been used which is more reliable for measuring the short-run and long-run dynamics, allows the mixed order of integration of the series, and provides statistical robustness. According to the estimates of the study, mineral development, technological advancement, and trade promote economic growth both in the long and short term. Whereas mineral depletion and population growth impede economic growth. While capital formation was found to be insignificant. Achieving higher economic growth necessitates a strategic focus on technological innovation and efficient mineral exploitation. It is imperative to address the challenge of mineral depletion, which poses a significant obstacle to sustained growth.