The Spread of Quarries and Crushers and their Negative Effects on the Environment in the Green Mountain Region

Abstract

This study addresses the exploitation of natural resources in semi-arid environments in the Green Mountain region of North Africa, and highlights the environmental risks associated with these activities. These environments are highly sensitive to even the slightest human activity, necessitating environmental planning measures to ensure sustainability when exploiting natural resources. Quarrying (extraction of raw materials) has been a long-standing practice in the area, with the materials being used in construction industries such as cement and building stones. The demand for these materials coincides with population growth and urban development in the region. The construction sector has witnessed significant expansion in recent years due to investments from oil revenues. With this development, the number of quarries and crushers in the area has increased, often concentrated in vegetation cover areas and near human settlements. This leads to the destruction of vegetation cover, deterioration of soil properties, and environmental pollution from dust and particulate matter. This study aims to gather and analyze the necessary data and information to provide means and methods for addressing this environmental issue and mitigating its negative effects.