i am no longer in touch with previous owner of this iPad mini, what can i do to use this iPad mini, when i don't have the previous owners apple id?

Here are the Apple support pages that outline the Activation Lock - and the only mechanisms by which it can be turned off:

Activation Lock for iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch - Apple Support

Turn off Activation Lock – Apple Support

As you will discover, unless you are the owner of the AppleID that was last used to activate the device, or unless you can secure the cooperation of the previous owner, you’ll not be able to defeat or bypass the Activation Lock. Without documentary evidence that you are the original owner (such as sales receipt showing the serial number), Apple won’t assist - and nobody here will be able to help you.

Sorry, but you’re out of options.

The All Too Common SAD Reality of Buying … - Apple Community

If you mean "activation lock", neither we (just users like you) nor Apple can help you, sorry, unless you are the original owner and you still have the proof of purchase (receipt/invoice).

Shouldn’t be this case, activation lock can be removed only by the previous owner, with the credentials that were used to activate that iPhone/iPad. Without those credentials, that device is useless to you.

Regards

Giulio