In the heart of Morocco’s Benguerir region, a groundbreaking study is reshaping how we view mine waste and its potential to bolster the agriculture sector. Researchers have successfully integrated Visible to Near-Infrared and Shortwave Infrared (VNIR-SWIR) reflectance spectroscopy with HandHeld X-ray fluorescence (HHXRF) to characterize phosphate mine waste rocks, paving the way for enhanced mineralogical characterization and sustainable mine reclamation.
Phosphate, a critical non-renewable mineral resource, is primarily used in fertilizer production, playing a pivotal role in global food security. Morocco, home to the world’s largest phosphate reserves, generates substantial mine waste, including overburden, tailings, and phosphogypsum. The heterogeneity of these wastes has historically posed challenges for management and valorization—the beneficial reuse or value recovery from waste materials.
The study, led by Abdelhak El Mansour of the Geology and Sustainable Mining Institute (GSMI) at Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P), collected 104 field samples and measured their spectral reflectance using an ASD FieldSpec 4 spectroradiometer. The spectra were processed and matched to ECOSTRESS library references, achieving a mean RMSE of 0.15 ± 0.053 and a median R² of 0.748. Parallel HHXRF measurements of major and trace elements corroborated spectral interpretations, revealing carbonate–clay–phosphate assemblages.
“Our combined workflow is rapid, low-impact, and reproducible,” El Mansour explained. “It yields coherent mineralogical patterns that align across spectroscopic and geochemical lines of evidence, providing actionable inputs for selective screening, targeted material reuse, and more sustainable mine reclamation planning.”
The implications for the agriculture sector are profound. By accurately characterizing mine waste, researchers can identify valuable minerals that can be reused in agricultural applications, such as soil amendments or fertilizers. This not only reduces the environmental impact of mining operations but also contributes to the circular economy by transforming waste into resources.
“The potential for reuse is significant,” El Mansour added. “We can now delineate localized enrichment of phosphate, with P₂O₅ up to 23.86 wt % in apatite-rich samples. This opens up new possibilities for sustainable agriculture and food security.”
The study, published in the journal ‘Sensors’, highlights the importance of integrating advanced technologies for enhanced mineralogical characterization. As the world grapples with the challenges of sustainable resource management, this research offers a promising pathway for the agriculture sector to leverage mine waste for productive use.
The findings could shape future developments in mine reclamation and waste valorization, fostering a more sustainable approach to resource management. By providing actionable data, this research empowers stakeholders to make informed decisions that benefit both the environment and the agriculture industry. As the global demand for phosphate continues to grow, innovative solutions like this will be crucial in ensuring a sustainable future for all.