<p>The influence of geochemical and petrographical features on the geotechnical behaviour of lateritic gravels was investigated to determine their potential use in road construction. The research focused on materials from the Lolabe-Campo region, South Cameroon, which formed on variable parent rocks: micaschists, metasyenites, quartzites, and gneisses. X-ray Fluorescence and Scanning Electron Microscopy provided the geochemical and microstructural data. Macroscopic and microscopic observations and X-ray diffractometry lead to petrographical features. These analyses were complemented by full geotechnical characterization. The findings revealed that lateritic gravels of metasyenites and quartzites are richer in Fe₂O₃, suggesting intense weathering, confirmed by the high index of lateritization (IOL). The gravels consist of one to three nodule types, depending on the parent rock. Kaolinite is predominant in metasyenite, then in gneiss, while gibbsite and quartz characterize quartzite and micaschist. Biotite is found in all gravels, but is dominant in quartzites. This chemical and mineralogical variability leads to a wide range of geotechnical properties. Principal component analysis (PCA) and Pearson correlation proved that these properties are distinct and structurally dependent on the gravels’ own geochemistry. Geotechnical analysis revealed that these gravels do not all meet the technical specifications for high-traffic subbase. PCA showed that the California Bearing Ratio (CBR) positively correlated with SiO₂ and negatively with Fe₂O₃. Consequently, the knowledge of petrography and geochemistry allows for better selection of lateritic gravels in road construction. Given the scarcity of compliant materials in some areas the world over, these results support the need for potential local adaptations of technical specifications.</p>