A Dimension-Stone-Specific GIS-AHP Framework for Regional Quarry Suitability Screening in Under-Mapped Precambrian Basement: Application to Cameroon’s West Region, Central African Fold Belt

Why It Matters

The tool provides policymakers with a data‑driven basis to unlock dimension‑stone resources, boosting Cameroon’s mining contribution without compromising land‑use priorities. It also offers a replicable template for other Pan‑African basement provinces seeking sustainable mineral development.

Key Takeaways

• GIS-AHP framework evaluates quarry suitability in Precambrian basements
• 43.1% of West Region classified high to very-high suitability
• Only 0.8% area deemed extremely suitable for dimension stone
• Suitability-density metric identifies priority communes for field validation
• Approach enables conflict-aware permit pre-screening and land-use integration

Pulse Analysis

The emergence of a dimension‑stone‑specific GIS‑AHP framework marks a shift from generic mineral assessments to highly contextualized site selection. By weighting geological factors such as lithology and fault proximity alongside environmental constraints like protected areas and stream networks, the model delivers a nuanced suitability surface that respects both resource potential and ecological stewardship. This granular approach is especially valuable in Precambrian basement terrains, where data scarcity often hampers investment decisions.

Beyond the pixel‑level map, the study introduces a suitability‑density index that aggregates high‑ranked suitability classes within administrative units. This metric surfaces hidden clusters of promising quarry sites, directing field teams to communes in Noun and adjacent divisions where the concentration of high‑suitability pixels is greatest. The density perspective also facilitates conflict‑aware planning, allowing regulators to anticipate land‑use clashes and design mitigation strategies before permits are issued.

For policymakers and investors, the framework offers a scalable blueprint for integrating quarry development into broader land‑use frameworks. It aligns with Cameroon’s ambition to elevate the mining sector’s GDP share while safeguarding biodiversity and community interests. Moreover, the methodology can be adapted to other Pan‑African or Brasiliano basement provinces, providing a cost‑effective reconnaissance tool that accelerates resource mapping, reduces exploratory risk, and supports sustainable mineral economies.