Sedimentary and diagenetic features of Upper Triassic dolomites are determined and related to technical properties (apparent density, water absorption, open porosity and point load strength tested by Point Load Test, PLT) for possible use as building aggregate. Samples are taken from three quarries in the Medvednica and Samobor Mts., in NW Croatia. Samples from the Ivanec Quarry are determined as the early-diagenetic dolomite (EDD), late-diagenetic dolomite (LDD) and "transitional" dolomite (TD). Samples from the Dolje Quarry are determined as early-diagenetic dolomite (EDD) and late-diagenetic dolomite (LDD). The samples from the Gradna Quarry are determined as late-diagenetic dolomites (LDD). According to the physical and mechanical properties, the best variety to use as a crushed stone or as an aggregate proved to be the late-diagenetic dolomite from the Dolje Quarry. Samples from the Dolje Quarry have the lowest values of open porosity and water absorption and the highest values of apparent density and PLT, due to their sedimentary--diagenetic features.

Industrial heritage plays an important role in the economical, historical, and cultural identity of contemporary European society. A significant part of the industrial heritage consists of historical buildings which have remained after mining and petroleum exploitation. Moreover, industrial heritage can be also nurtured in countries in which mining and petroleum activities are not fully developed. It is inevitably associated with geological heritage. Furthermore, geological heritage is essential for a better understanding of nature, its wider appreciation and better protection. Mining has always played a significant industrial role, but it has recently lost its significance due to increasing environmental requirements regarding the European green deal and transforming the economy for a sustainable future. However, old mining and petroleum heritage sites can become attractions and they can contribute to the development of tourism and the community itself. A new term “geotechnological heritage”, presented in this paper, is related to mining, geological and petroleum heritage due to their significant interaction. This paper presents the used and unused touristic potential of heritage on selected sites in the Republic of Croatia. In addition, an analysis of the Croatian undervalued geotechnological heritage has been performed after the exploitation of stone and other nonmetallics, coal, metals, and petroleum. Unlike Croatia, the potential of geotechnological heritage has been recognized and exploited in most European countries. Therefore, Croatia has a great opportunity to develop heritage based on the experience of more successful members of the European Union.

No abstract

The revitalization and protection of industrial and natural heritage is an important part of the cultural identity of a society that respects its history and wants to build a prosperous and sustainable future. This paper describes four selected case studies of the successful revitalization and presentation of mining, geology, and petroleum heritage in the Republic of Croatia: a former quarry (Rupnica), two metal mines (St. Barbara Mine and Zrinski Mine) and one site of petroleum heritage (Peklenica and Selnica Petroleum Heritage Park). For revitalization strategy of selected areas, SWOT analysis and TOWS matrix were performed. Sub-strategy ranking was done through five key principles of geotourism. The strong and weak points of revitalized projects are indicated, as well as recommendations for the realisation of future geoheritage projects. This paper describes how a currently poor-mining country, which is intensively developing tourism, can protect, present, and promote its former industrial heritage, which is related to geoheritage. One of the main goals is to encourage all stakeholders to promote industrial heritage based on a simplified form of the mentioned analysis method and matrix.

Geological investigations were carried out in the Sinawin-Sha'wa area, in northwestern Libya, in order to find suitable rocks for aggregate in asphalt mixtures for Nalut - Ghadamis Road reconstruction. By combined field work and micropetrographical analysis four different carbonate lithofacies were determined within Upper Cretaceous sedimentary sequence: lithofacies A - micritic limestones; lithofacies B - dolomitic marls; lithofacies C - dolobiomicrites; lithofacies D -biosparites and biosparudites. Diagenetic processes of cementation, recrystallization, dolomitization and silicification were identified within these lithofacies. Stone samples, taken from three lithofacies A, C, and D, were analyzed in order to determine its physical and mechanical properties (apparent density, open porosity, water absorption, uniaxial compressive strength). In addition, aggregate produced by crushing of the rock from lithofacies D is tested on resistance to crushing and abrasion (LA test). Samples from lithofacies B were not included in the testing of physical and mechanical properties since it is estimated as not suitable rock material for crushed aggregate. Samples from lithofacies A, C and D showed significant differences in the physical and mechanical properties. These differences stem from differences in mineralogical and petrographical composition as well as from diagenetic processes. Stone of lithofacies D were estimated as the most appropriate rocks available in the area, for aggregate in asphalt mixtures.