GEOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT OF BLANTYRE DISTRICT TO IDENTIFY SUITABLE AREAS FOR QUARRY SITES

This research was carried out to identify suitable areas for quarry stones occurrence in Blantyre district using GIS tools. The WOE method was used in this study where by Blantyre map with sample points was crossed with the landslide controlling factors map to come up with the suitability map. The methodology began with the collection of the sample points through satellite image. Then desk work for preparation of the thematic maps using ArcGIS. The WOE method was applied in ILWIS to come up with the Suitability map of the area. Slopeness of soil, elevation and type of geology were used as the quarry stones controlling factors in this study. The most controlling factor to the quarry stones occurrence was identified to be the type of geology.