124 2. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY 2.1. Literature search strategy Since the adoption of the 2030 Agenda, research on the SDGs has expanded rapidly across multiple disciplines. However, approaches to localizing the SDGs, particularly in mining and extractive project contexts, remain fragmented and methodologically diverse. Accordingly, this study employs a systematic literature review to consolidate peer-reviewed evidence on the application and localization of SDGs in mining and extractive project settings. It also synthesizes the methods used to translate SDG concepts into indicators, assessment frameworks, governance instruments, and evaluation practices. The review process follows the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) framework (Page et al., 2021), which establishes a transparent protocol for identifying, screening, and selecting relevant studies. As illustrated in Figure 1, the PRISMA procedure involved three primary stages: identification, screening, and eligibility assessment. These stages facilitated systematic retrieval, the application of inclusion and exclusion criteria, and the refinement of the final corpus analyzed in this review. Figure 1 – Refinement process and publication counts (PRISMA framework) Scopus was selected as the primary database for this systematic review because of its reliability, comprehensive coverage, and frequent use in sustainability research. A targeted search in January 2026 combined SDG terminology with mining and extractive-sector keywords to identify studies relevant to SDG localization, operationalization, and assessment in project contexts. The search was restricted to peer-reviewed journal articles in English published between 2015 and 2026. Additional source-title filters prioritized leading journals in mining, sustainability, and environmental governance, such as Resources Policy, The Extractive Industries and Society, Environmental Science & Policy, Journal of Cleaner Production, and Sustainability. The full search query and parameters are reported in Table 1. Screening was conducted in two steps. First, titles and abstracts were reviewed to retain papers that explicitly addressed SDG localization, implementation, operationalization, assessment, or reporting with
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