Environmental impacts of the gypsum mining operation at Maqna area, Tabuk,Saudi Arabia

The impacts of quarrying of the gypsum deposits on the environment at Maqna , Tabuk, were evaluated by intensive field studies including in situ testin g, mapping and sampling of gypsum and well water. Field and laboratory test s were made to determine the engineering properties including tensile and c ompressive strengths, unit weight, fracture spacing and the rock quality de signation (RQD) values. Results were used to determine the most suitable me thod for quarrying and extraction. Chemical analyses of gypsum and water we ll samples were conducted along with mineralogical analysis using X-ray dif fraction analysis (XRD). Results show that there are no harmful impacts on the environment of the studied area associated with the extraction and quar rying of the gypsum deposits at the Maqna area. They also revealed that the gypsum can be quarried using a ripping technique, which does not create no ise and/or vibration in the surrounding areas.