Clay extraction

The so-called red ceramics industries are characterised by the red colour of their products after the firing process, including ceramic blocks for structural sealing, bricks and tiles. As far as raw materials are concerned, the sector basically uses common clays, extracted from soils with a high clay content. Environmental diagnosis is the study of the agents that cause changes in a given area, it is the interpretation of the quality situation of an environmental system or an area, based on the study of the interactions and dynamics of its components, whether related to physical and biological elements or socio-cultural factors. Combining clarity and technical rigour, the book presents and discusses in a practical way the various stages and specific tools for preparing an environmental diagnosis and impact matrix in clay extraction areas for the production of red ceramics. This book is of relevant interest to undergraduate and postgraduate students and other researchers working in the field of environmental planning and management.