Is e-commerce capable to promote mineral resources? Evidence for Belt and Road Initiative countries

This study examines the complex relationship between e-commerce and mineral efficiency in Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) economies from 2000 to 2021. Using the CS-ARDL methodology, it finds that a 1% increase in e-commerce market size corresponds to a 0.46% short-term and 0.59% long-term rise in mineral efficiency. E-commerce optimizes resource use through streamlined supply chains, reduced wastage, and digital transactions. Responsible expansion is crucial to avoid unintended resource consequences. Additionally, a 1% increase in the green development index leads to a 0.16% short-term and 0.26% long-term mineral efficiency increase. The adverse impacts of the consumer price index (CPI), foreign direct investment (FDI), economic uncertainty, and patent applications highlight resource allocation complexities. The study confirms causal reciprocity between mineral efficiency and e-commerce market size. Effective policies involve boosting ICT diffusion, encouraging patent commercialization, promoting green education, facilitating green utility imports, and integrating blockchain and fintech approaches.