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.

Detrital and volcanic-detrital rocks from the Ifni Buttonhole and Lakhssas Plateau were analyzed to determine their provenance, compositional maturity, and alteration source. Geochemically, the sediments were classified as arkoses, lithic arenites, grauwackes, sandstones, lithic arenites, and Fe-rich sands, indicating low compositional and mineralogical maturity. A high average SiO₂ concentration and low Al₂O₃ were consistent with a low abundance of shale and clay components. The geochemical signatures of the detrital and volcano-detrital (RDVD) rocks indicate that they have undergone a moderate to low degree of chemical alteration. The CIA study also suggests that the granitic, granodioritic rocks represent the source provenance which, during weathering and transport, supplied the detritus to the supra-crustal units. The major trace element data suggest that these rocks are largely derived from felsic igneous rocks, namely granitoids, with a minor contribution from intermediate sources. The carbonate rocks do not represent a wide variety of facies: dolomitic limestone, calcareous limestone, and calcaro-dolomitic chert. Calcitic and dolomitic samples show a linear increase in SiO₂, regardless of their CaO/LOI ratio values, which remain relatively constant. The highest SiO₂ contents are observed in the calc-dolomitic chert. Geochemical analysis of RDVD from the Ifni buttonhole determined their origin, maturity, and alteration. Major oxides decreased with higher silica content, indicating quartz control. Samples, formed under semi-arid conditions, show maturity under stable deposition. They suggest a felsic, recycled source, with moderate alteration and zircon enrichment during recycling. In the study area, limestones and dolomites serve as materials applicable in the building sector, suitable for all types of concrete. The Taliwine Formation harbors Lower Cambrian dolomites and limestones, ideal for mosaic aggregates. Described as variable in color, compact, homogeneous, very hard, and resistant to alteration, the plutonic rocks form prominent peaks. They exhibit both subalkaline characteristics in granitoids and an alkaline trend in dolerite dykes. Most samples display minimal alteration, indicating the reliability of their major element compositions for geochemical analyses. These granitoids constitute valuable deposits for ornamental and building rock purposes.

In the southern part of the Imiter inlier, the early Ediacaran basement of the Saghro Group is crosscut by an important swarm of aplitic and pegmatitic dikes that display an extension of several meters and which can exceed 10 in thickness. They are distributed according to two main directions: NE-SW and NW-SE. Petrographic analysis reveals that the pegmatites and aplite primarily consist of quartz, plagioclase, K-feldspar, muscovite, biotite, allanite, and sphene. The BouTeglimt pegmatites, related to the large BouTeglimt granitic and granodioritic plutons, are exterior pegmatites type, hosted in the metamorphic country rocks. Pegmatite zoning is recognized at two scales: internal zoning, representing variations in mineralogy and texture within individual pegmatite bodies, and regional zoning, characterized by increased mineralogical complexity with distance from the granitic source. Using the ASTER sensor, the study investigated significant clayey, phyllitic, and propylitic alterations of the pegmatites, aplite, and their host rocks in the Imiter mine area. Field investigations and mineralogical characterization highlight four new mineralized zones in base and precious metals. These zones are commonly situated at the peripheries of granites or at the contact between the SG series and the late Ediacaran rocks of the Ouarzazate Group. The mineralization is observed in steeply-dipping veins along major E-W faults parallel to the Imiter fault, as well as in stockwork ore within tuffs, lapilli tuff, rhyolite, and disseminated mineralization within various Ouarzazate Group pyroclastic rocks. The ore mineralogy comprises sulfides and oxide minerals. Furthermore, the muscovite-rich BouTeglimt pegmatite and aplite can be considered an excellent exploration indicators due to their occurrence in fertile granites and rare-element pegmatites. They may hold potential as indicators of tantalum mineralization.

The Ait Herbil oases (Timoulay Oumaloukt and Timoulay n'Tozomte) represent an ancient center of human settlement and civilization. They feature emblematic landscapes that reflect a profound interaction between humans and the natural environment. These landscapes possess both heritage and spatial identities that distinguish them from neighboring oases, due to their historical adaptation to the region’s challenging environmental conditions. A preliminary examination of the Timoulay Oumaloukt and Timoulay n'Tozomte oases reveals distinct functions and land-use patterns. These are agrarian environments shaped by a traditional subsistence economy. Over generations, farmers have molded these highly anthropized landscapes by making use of the available natural resources. However, recent environmental and socio-spatial transformations have triggered an unprecedented crisis, resulting in major imbalances within the landscape systems. The objective of this study is to characterize the anthropogenic landscapes of the Timoulay Oumaloukt and Timoulay n'Tozomte oases, located in the territorial commune of Aday, by analyzing their spatial organization, functioning, and dynamics. The methodology consists, first, of a general diagnosis and typology of the region’s anthropized landscapes. It then focuses on the current state of four specific types of anthropized features: agricultural terraces, threshing floors, collective granaries (locally known as Agadir), and agrarian landscapes. The study is primarily based on field visits and surveys, semi-structured interviews, climate data (1981–2022), and data derived from Geographic Information Systems (GIS), remote sensing, and analysis of photographic documentation collected between 2017 and 2022. NDVI imagery for 1987, 2001, and 2023 reveals a marked decline in oasis vegetation: from 61.35 ha in 1987, to 53.21 ha in 2001, and 47 ha in 2023, mainly due to recurrent droughts between 1981 and 2022. This differential dynamic reflects two contrasting trends: agricultural abandonment in some areas, and increased human pressure in others—both shaped by natural, socio-economic, and technological factors. Persistent droughts have accelerated agricultural decline, contributing to the socio-spatial exodus of the population. This research provides a scientific foundation for further investigation into oasis landscapes, offering critical insights to inform regional strategies for resource management and heritage conservation.

Une évaluation approfondie des géo-ressources du plateau de Lakhssas et du massif d’Ifni a été menée en vue d’optimiser l’implantation de carrières. La méthodologie mise en œuvre repose sur la caractérisation géomécanique des affleurements rocheux, couplée à une analyse spatiale par Système d’Information Géographique (SIG). Un échantillonnage représentatif a permis de réaliser des essais géotechniques en laboratoire. Les résultats ont été classifiés selon les normes (Marocaines et Européenne). L’intégration de ces données au SIG a généré une cartographie géotechnique identifiant cinq classes de potentiel d’exploitation: Haut, Moyen, Bas, Très Bas et Nul. L’analyse spatiale démontre qu’environ 72 % de la zone d’étude affiche un potentiel élevé. Cette approche combinant données de terrain et géomatique offre un outil d’aide à la décision performant pour la gestion durable des ressources extractives et la préservation du patrimoine géologique, constituant un cadre méthodologique rigoureux pour le développement responsable du secteur.