Mining is causing soil pollution in neighborhoods by trace metal elements (ETM), past and present mining activities in Bou-Caïd wilaya of Tissemsilt (Algeria) are altering the mineral properties of urban and semi-urban soils in the region. The aim of this study is to assess the concentrations of zinc-lead and Barium in urban and semi-urban soils of Bou-Caïd city. Soil samples were taken from four different plots with a depth of 30 cm. Soil samples were analyzed by X-ray Fluorescence Spectroscopy . We selected the sampling plots based on the population density and human activity distribution in the region. We began by collecting soil samples from the areas adjacent to the source of exploitation, which predominantly consist of farmlands and agricultural soils, designated as (P1). The second sampling location encompasses the soils in the vicinity of the Bou-Caid town center, where the barite grinding and storage station is situated. In contrast, the remaining two plots, (P3 and P4), were situated in areas classified as tourist lands. These plots were chosen as the region has been designated as a national park, reflecting a different type of land use and human activity. The results showed that the concentrations of zinc, lead and Barium in the studied soil are highly variable. They differ according to the type of ETM and the distance between them and the sources of pollution. We recorded Zn-Pb and Ba concentrations above the cut-off value (AFNOR and RPRT Quebec) especially in plots P1 and P2 located near areas of mining activities in the region (Grand Pic; Rockba; Sra Abdelkader); The values recorded in other plots (P3; P4) are not much higher compared to the cut-off values because they are relatively far from the pollution areas, but these values can increase over time and continue mining activities in the area without developing a treatment strategy for this area.

Metallic trace elements (ETMs); Soils; Pollution; Mine; XRF.