The Impact of Limestone Quarry on Bashiqa Mountain, Nineveh Governorate, Iraq

The primary goal of this study is to investigate how limestone quarries affect the natural environment in Bashiqa area, Nineveh Governorate, northern Iraq. The research initially employs a long-term satellite image surveillance to track changes in the area and the growth of quarrying operations. Furthermore, fieldwork is done to ascertain the geotechnical characteristics of the rocks, and sample collection is carried out for laboratory analysis to determine the engineering qualities of the rocks and whether they are worthy of the environmental changes that have taken place in the region. Every geotechnical characteristic is measured in the field including the degree of openness, surface roughness, discontinuity spacing, and rock hardness estimate. The petrophysical characteristics, compressive strength, and slake durability are measured in the laboratory. From an engineering perspective, it is discovered that these rocks are appropriate for construction; however, weathering processes rapidly alter the majority of them. The physical and mechanical characteristics of the extracted stones varied; thus, quarry owners need to identify the different types of rocks and how best to use each type to minimize their influence on the environment.