Producción y Consumo Responsables

A study evaluated the use of inert mining tailings to stabilize clay soils with low bearing capacity, comparing different dosages and mixtures with tailings-cement mortar. The alternative with 15% tailings-cement mortar showed the best performance, increasing the CBR from 5.1% to 15.4% and significantly improving the soil’s mechanical strength. The results demonstrate the potential for reusing mining tailings in geotechnical applications, promoting the circular economy and sustainable solutions for road subgrade stabilization.

FICT hosted the international seminar “Sustainable Mining and Industrial Safety,” featuring Ph.D. David León, a professor and researcher at the Polytechnic University of Madrid. The event provided an opportunity to share international perspectives on sustainability and safety in the mining industry, as well as to strengthen academic cooperation between ESPOL and the UPM within the framework of the Erasmus+ program.

ESPOL’s Sustainable Development Club (CDS) participated in SostenIA by ESPOL 2026 with an interactive booth where it presented the initiatives it has been promoting since 2019 related to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Through activities such as calculating ecological footprints and strengthening strategic partnerships, the Club promoted reflection, student leadership, and a commitment to sustainability.

Researchers at FICT–ESPOL developed an innovative methodology that uses dipolar acoustic logs to generate synthetic capillary pressure curves and characterize reservoirs with limited data. Published in *Scientific Reports*, the study provides a tool to support reservoir engineering and strengthens applied research in the energy sector.

Researchers from ESPOL and the Polytechnic University of Catalonia developed a method for transforming automotive shredder waste into lightweight aggregates for structural concrete. Published in a Q1/D1 scientific journal, the study promotes the circular economy and the development of sustainable materials for the construction industry.

A study conducted in Santa Rosa, El Oro, assessed the quality of agricultural soils and irrigation water in areas affected by mining. The results identified elevated concentrations of arsenic, chromium, and copper in the soils, providing evidence to strengthen environmental monitoring, protect the health of the agricultural population, and promote sustainable management in areas where mining and agriculture coexist.

FICT launched the Epiroc FICT-ESPOL Corporate Chair, an initiative of the Mining Engineering program aimed at strengthening the relationship between academia and the mining industry. The first session addressed topics related to innovation, automation, and sustainability in mining, promoting the development of technical skills and exposing students to the sector’s challenges and opportunities.

Faculty members and researchers from the FICT and the Master’s Program in Seismic-Resistant Civil Structures continue to enhance ESPOL’s international profile through scientific publications in specialized journals such as CPI Worldwide. Their research promotes sustainable and innovative solutions for civil engineering, incorporating recycled materials and eco-efficient technologies.

ESPOL is strengthening research on sustainable mining through a technical visit to the University of Huelva, where advanced analyses of mining tailings were conducted to assess the potential for recovering critical minerals; the initiative promoted international scientific cooperation and the development of solutions aimed at the responsible use of mineral resources.

Research by FICT ESPOL on sustainable pavements was recognized at CSEE 2026, where one of its studies won the Best Paper Award for proposing efficient solutions using recycled materials; the results demonstrate significant reductions in costs and resource use, contributing to innovation in road infrastructure and sustainable development.