Abstract: Tracking embodied carbon emissions in trade is crucial for achieving China′s " dual carbon" goals. However, identifying the characteristics and pathways of cross-regional and inter-sectoral embodied carbon flows remains challenging,hindering emission reduction progress. As a high-carbon emission-intensive industry,the mining industry still needs further research on the trend of embodied carbon flows and key emission reduction paths in cross-provincial trade. In order to solve the above issues,this study constructs an analytical framework for China′s embodied carbon transfer network in the mining industry based on the spatiotemporal perspective,utilizing multi-regional input-output (MRIO) tables for 2012,2015,and 2017. This framework systematically examines the evolving trends,spatial distribution patterns,and reduction pathways of embodied carbon flows within the mining sector. The results indicated that:① energy consumption-related CO2 emissions from China′s mining industry exhibited an overall downward trend. Emissions from raw coal combustion constituted the largest share. ② While direct and embodied carbon emissions within the mining industry showed a converging trend,the sector remained a net exporter of embodied carbon. Its primary upstream contributing sectors were identified as S8 (Petroleum,Coking,and Nuclear Fuel Processing Products),S11 (Smelting and Pressing of Metals),S20 (Production and Supply of Electricity and Heat),and S24 (Transportation,Storage,and Postal Services). ③ Jiangsu,Guangdong,Henan,Shaanxi,Shandong,Hebei,and Shanxi demonstrated higher network centrality,establishing them as critical regions for mining emission reduction. The largest embodied carbon flow pathway was from Shaanxi to Zhejiang,amounting to 3. 570 6 million tons. This research aims to provide a scientific basis and practical insights for fostering the green and low-carbon transformation of the mining industry and the broader economic system, thereby contributing to the development of a modernized mining model that promotes harmonious coexistence between humanity and nature.

Key words: mining industry,Multi-regional Input-Output Model(MRIO),complex networks,embodied carbon flow