Agri-Mine

Faced with the worldwide intensification of mining activities and the associated socio-environmental impacts on the critical zone, the AGRI-MINE project proposes to use research to support decision-makers in the conversion of former mining areas. To achieve this, a methodology will be developed in conjunction with the authorities and involving the local population, with a view to ensuring that the conversion process is appropriate and accepted by all stakeholders.

This interdisciplinary study, which brings together researchers from a variety of disciplines (geography, physical chemistry, hydrogeology, biology, pedology, anthropology, geomatics, political science), focuses more specifically on the case of the agricultural conversion of the mining area of the Midelt region (Morocco), a region that was heavily impacted by lead extraction in the last century. In particular, the aim of this project is to develop a territorial and interdisciplinary index of agricultural conversion potential (Axis 4, cf. figure below), calculated on the basis of socio-environmental indicators (such as water quality, soil quality, human use and vernacular representation of areas) which will be collected (i) through empirical field surveys, with and in consultation with local residents, (ii) on the basis of satellite image analyses (Axis 3) and (iii) on the basis of existing data in the scientific literature or grey literature produced by the relevant institutions (Axis 2).

Upstream, the study area (characteristics selected and scope) will be defined by the whole consortium with the decision-makers in order to develop an index that best integrates the socio-environmental specificities of the area that may affect agricultural conversion (Axis 1). This index will make it possible to identify the most favourable areas for agricultural development. This approach, developed jointly with the authorities, aims to become a decision-making tool to support and facilitate the implementation of public policies.
The approach tested as part of this project will initiate the dynamics of an international man-environment observatory (OHMi) of the CNRS, which will be launched at the end of 2024 in the Midelt area after a year of prefiguration.

In this context, the methodological approach developed in AGRI-MINE will be perpetuated and extended as part of the projects to be funded under OHMi. The longer-term aim of this approach is to collectively produce knowledge that will enlighten all stakeholders with a view to reducing the negative impacts of past mining activity, proposing responsible and accepted joint solutions for site restoration and economic diversification, whether agricultural, tourist, cultural or mining (mining waste exploitation, for example).

This project brings together 3 CNRS institutes (Earth and Universe (CEREGE), Ecology and Environment (Labex DRIIHM), Human and Social Sciences (PALOC, PRODIG), as well as units not attached to the CNRS (G-EAU, EMMAH), Moroccan partners (Mohammed V University in Rabat, INAU) and Canadian partners (Laval University) and the authorities of the province of Midelt. This project will be facilitated by the bonds of trust that have been established between certain members of this project and the authorities of the province during several meetings and working sessions during which the authorities expressed their strong interest in this approach.