Integrated Geotechnical Approach and GIS for Identification of Geological Resources Exploitable Quarries for Sustainable Development in Ifni Inlier and Lakhssas Plateau (Western Anti Atlas, Morocco)

The purpose of this paper is to identify, quantify and delineate the areas with suitable aggregate resources in the Precambrian massif of Ifni and the limestone plateau of Lakhssas (southwest Morocco). To fulfill this objective, a study was undertaken on the geotechnical parameters of the various geological outcrops of the region based on the analysis of 42 rock samples (carbonate, magmatic, detritic and volcano-detritic). Initially, we subjected these samples to a series of laboratory tests (impact resistance (L.A), wear resistance (MDE), density, porosity, absorption), to classify them according to geotechnical standards. Then, a geospatial database was created, to exploit these geotechnical data, from a geographical information system (GIS) to produce various thematic maps. Based on the results of this study, all geotechnical classes according to the standards (A to E for the European standard and 1A to 6D for the Moroccan standard) are present with good to very good geomechanical properties (L.A between 12% and 35%, MDE between 5% and 30%). This classification allowed us to use GIS to identify and quantify potential areas for exploitation by assigning five categories of geotechnical suitability levels (high (4), medium (3), low (2), very low (1) and others (0)) and to show that approximately 72% of the study area belongs to the categories high, medium and low. The combination of laboratory results and GIS has allowed us to carry out geotechnical mapping that will be used by regional authorities and actors for good management of the field of quarrying to rationalize the national natural heritage.

Automated summary

The purpose of this study is to identify, quantify, and delineate suitable aggregate resources in the Precambrian massif of Ifni and the limestone plateau of Lakhssas in Southwest Morocco by analyzing geological samples and creating a geospatial database using a geographic information system (GIS). Based on laboratory tests and geological standards, the geotechnical classes of different geological outcrops were determined, and potential exploitation areas were identified and quantified using GIS. Geotechnical mapping based on laboratory results and GIS data will be useful for regional authorities and stakeholders in the rational management of quarrying activities.