Mineral Resources and Their Role in Promoting Sustainable Spatial Development in Central and Southeastern Libya

Abstract

The current study is a part of the third generation planning project which aims at the development of the Libyan urban plans. Al-Kaleej region was one of the regions targeted by the project; the region covers an area of about 650,000 square kilometers and includes many urban settlements spread over the central and south-eastern of Libya.

Regional planning aims to develop a frame of reference for the implementation of State policies and strategies for sustainable human development at the regional level, as regional planning is considered the base foundation for economic development, the distribution of populations and land uses and future estimation of natural resources including minerals needed for settlements stabilization. Different minerals are distributed over the vast area of the region which is predominantly sedimentary. These minerals have been mapped through interactive maps using the techniques of satellite images and geographical information system representing geographical distribution and areas covered by different types of mineral resources. The study also dealt with the analysis of the role of mineral resources in spatial development for the region; especially the role of minerals used in the manufacturing of construction.
Digital maps were produced using geographical information systems representing the locations and areas of various mineral resources including; limestone, calcarenite, diatomite construction sand, gypsum, salts, sulfur and precious stones.