Mining for metals, coal, oil sands, industrial minerals, gemstones and rocks has been carried out since the dawn of civilization, providing wealth, energy and building materials, and underpinning social and industrial development. Contemporary mining has similar benefits, fueling economic growth with extraction of new commodities such as critical raw materials used for technologies such as solar energy and batteries. However, past and present mining has and is still impacting natural biogeochemical cycles, the health of humans and ecosystems, and natural sedimentary and atmospheric systems. This occurs through high inputs of potentially toxic, radioactive and caustic elements and particulates, including emerging contaminants related to new demands (e.g., lithium). The aims of this session are to summarize the state of current knowledge of mining and planetary health, highlight areas of particular concern that require urgent action and further research, and report success stories that hold promise for contemporary and future environmental protection.