Identification of potential areas hosting aggregate resources using GIS method: a case study of Tadla-Azilal Region, Morocco

The purpose of this paper is to assess the aggregate rocks in Tadla-Azilal region and to delineate the areas with aggregate resources. The suitable site selection is performed using the GIS approach with weighted overlay analysis. Many environmental, social and economical factors including rock lithology, land use, distance to cities and to roads, elevation, and slope, are considered in order to prevent conflicts between land users. These factors are mapped using the GIS technique and weighted by comparing them with each other according to their importance. The spatial correlation between all thematic data allowed us to prepare the final suitability map. Based on the results of this study, various aggregate potential areas in the Tadla-Azilal region have been selected and each one has been assigned three categories (suitable, moderately suitable and unsuitable) representing their suitability levels for future development in terms of the environmental constraints, availability of transport networks, current land use, and availability of mineral reserves. This analysis and classification provide important information for policy makers to decide effective land and resource management plan, and also for regional authorities in the process of granting licenses to operate a material quarry.