Green mining in China: Fintech's contribution to enhancing innovation performance aimed at sustainable and digital transformation in the mining sector

Green mining is at the heart of the sustainable development goals of 20,230 by United nation therefore, this empirical study thoroughly investigates the influence of digital transformation, green finance, and various forms of innovation on the innovation performance of Chinese mining companies. In addition, it explores the moderating effect of Fintech in strengthening this relationship. The study focuses on a sample of 1254 firms listed in the Chinese National Green Mine Directory, offering a comprehensive perspective of the current state of the sector. At the core of this study lies the interaction between financial strategies driven by sustainability and technological innovation. The findings indicate a significant correlation between green finance initiatives and enhanced innovation performance in mining firms. This highlights the pivotal role of environmentally sustainable investments in fostering innovative advancements within the sector. The moderating effect of Fintech is particularly noteworthy. It not only strengthens the influence of digital transformation and various forms of innovation on performance but also enhances the effectiveness of green innovation strategies. This indicates that Fintech is a crucial enabler in the pursuit of sustainable mining practices, acting as a catalyst that bridges innovative technological solutions with environmentally conscious financing. In conclusion, the study provides critical insights into how digital modification, underpinned by green finance and supported by Fintech, is reshaping innovation in the Chinese mining industry. These results have significant implications for policy formulation and strategic decision-making, emphasizing the need for a more robust alignment between technological progress and sustainable financial practices to foster innovation. The study makes a substantial contribution to comprehending the synergy among sustainability, finance, and technology in augmenting the innovation landscape of the mining sector.