Among various sustainable machining practices, Minimal Quantity Lubrication (MQL) technique stands out because it improves machining performance while reducing negative environmental impacts. Recent comparative studies on MQL (dry and flood lubricating methods) indicated effectiveness in tool wear, surface finish, energy used, chips produced, and overall sustainability. MQL, enhanced MQL with nanofluids and hybrid MQL processes, and various types of MQL processes demonstrated improved machinability on steels, alloys (titanium, aluminium) and nickel based super alloys. Improvement noted with strategic MQL incorporation with innovative cooling technologies (vortex tube assisted cooling) focuses on heat mitigation in tool-workpiece interfaces. Significant thermal impacts of tool wear and surface quality improved with MQL and use of nano additives (films) lubricants which reduces friction, thermal wear, lengthens tool life and enhances surface quality. Operation costs and environmental impact (through foot print) are reduced due to MQL system using low volumes of lubricants. Realistic environmental, operational, and personal improvements with use of adaptive control/AI planned systems for real time monitoring of lubricant volumes make MQL one of the best practices in machining.