Optimizing the utilization of mineral assets and human resources for enhanced social welfare and sustainable development

This study investigates the connections among metallic and non-metallic resource production, foreign direct investment (FDI), governance, Consumer Price Index (CPI), and Social Sustainable Development Index (SSDI) in the RCEP (Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership) region from 2000 to 2022. While short-term positive impacts on SSDI are evident in both resource types, the dynamics shift to long-term negative effects, emphasizing the urgency of sustainable resource management. Heightened FDI consistently exhibits a negative impact, raising concerns about income inequality. Effective governance, as indicated by the Good Governance Index, positively influences SSDI, while CPI shows a negative correlation. Comparative analysis underscores the short-term benefits but long-term drawbacks of both resource types on SSDI. Proposed practical policies for RCEP countries encompass economic diversification, stringent environmental regulations, transparent governance, sustainable technology investment, international cooperation, and ongoing policy evaluation for sustained longterm development.