On 16 and 17 June, the University of Oviedo hosted two highly relevant days for the European DEXPLORE project, focused on assessing the progress achieved to date and, in doing so, fostering dialogue among the key stakeholders of the European critical raw materials ecosystem.

Organised by ISMC and the ICAMCyL Foundation, with the support of Minersa and TerraDat Geophysics, the meeting brought together institutional representatives, companies, technology centres, universities, geoscience experts and numerous European projects linked to the critical raw materials value chain.

Representing ISMC were Laura Quijano, Diego Lozano and Jorge Lombán, who contributed to the technical and networking activities held throughout both days.

The first day was dedicated to the project Review Meeting, a key milestone for analysing the scientific, technological and management progress achieved to date. During the session, consortium partners presented the main developments, shared reflections on the challenges faced, and discussed the next steps required to achieve the project’s ambitious objectives: to promote more efficient, sustainable and responsible mineral exploration in Europe.

The following day, the Faculty of Geology of the University of Oviedo hosted the international event “Exploring Together: From Deep Exploration to Responsible Exploitation of Critical Raw Materials”, organised by the Iberian Sustainable Mining Cluster (ISMC) and the ICAMCyL Foundation, with the support of Minersa and TerraDat Geophysics. The meeting served as a space for dialogue and collaboration to address the challenges and opportunities associated with developing a sustainable and resilient European critical raw materials value chain.

DEXPLORE: innovation for the exploration of critical raw materials

The programme on the first day included a technical visit to the MINERSA facilities, where participants were able to observe the application of the project’s technological developments in a real geological operating environment.

The visit helped reinforce a key message of the project: the importance of geological knowledge, field data, and drill core sampling as essential pillars for reliable mineral resource assessment and informed decision-making.

The consortium expressed its gratitude for MINERSA’s hospitality and collaboration, which provided a practical learning environment and strengthened the link between research and industry.

Institutional recognition and European support

One of the highlights of the day was the presence of the Project Officer, Ugo Simeoni, and the external expert from HaDEA, Ermioni Gialiti, who accompanied the consortium during the review milestones.

Their constructive assessment, comments and guidance were key to enriching the discussion on the project’s progress, as well as identifying opportunities for improvement and future impact.

Collaboration and synergies for the European critical raw materials ecosystem

The second day focused on strengthening cooperation, knowledge exchange and the generation of new synergies within the European critical raw materials ecosystem.

The event brought together European projects, researchers, technology developers, industry representatives, geological experts and institutional stakeholders.

Across the sessions and round tables, some of the main challenges and opportunities in the sector were addressed, including:

• Advanced technologies for deep mineral exploration
• Earth observation, UAVs, geophysics and digital solutions
• Environmental and social responsibility in mining
• Stakeholder engagement and public acceptance
• Cooperation and synergies between European initiatives

A stronger European ecosystem through cooperation

The discussions held over both days reaffirmed a shared idea: scientific excellence, technological innovation and cooperation across the entire raw materials value chain are essential elements for strengthening Europe’s resilience, competitiveness and strategic autonomy.

About DEXPLORE

DEXPLORE is a European project focused on the development of innovative technologies for deep exploration of critical raw materials, promoting advanced solutions that contribute to ensuring a sustainable and secure supply of strategic mineral resources for Europe.