Geology and production of construction material resources of Lebanon: a preliminary study

Construction material resources of Lebanon are discussed in terms of geology, distribution and production. This is a first attempt with a systematic approach. Crushed rocks form the bulk of total production, and are used for cement, concrete and pavement. They are all produced from limestones ranging in age from Jurassic to Tertiary. Sands, other than those coming from crushed rocks, are produced from Quaternary deposits, or from the basal Cretaceous sandstone formation (Gres de Base). They are used for cement, concrete, pavement and glass. Dimension and face stones are also produced from the limestones. The mosaic and pottery industry uses clays which are mostly in seams or pockets within the basal Cretaceous unit. This study points out to the need for a systematic compilation of pertinent data to facilitate evaluation of supplies for future development.