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Raw Materials

Exploration and raw materials resource assessment

Welcome to the Exploration and Raw Materials Resource Assessment thematic category within the GAEA (Green Alternatives for European Autonomy) Open Innovation Program!

This Innovation Area represents a visionary chapter in this sustainable narrative, poised at the intersection of environmental stewardship and technological advancement. At the core of this initiative lies a commitment to revolutionize the way we discover and evaluate mineral resources, ensuring they serve as the building blocks for a greener, self-reliant Europe.

This innovation area is not merely about locating new mineral deposits; it’s about redefining the entire process of exploration. It challenges the status quo, leveraging cutting-edge technologies and solutions to navigate the complexities of geological assessments. The emphasis is on minimizing environmental impact while maximizing accuracy and efficiency in identifying viable resources. This is not a simple task, as it encompasses a broad spectrum of challenges, from the integration of advanced geospatial technologies to the development of non-invasive exploration methods.

The shift we are spearheading is transformative. It is about transitioning from traditional, often invasive exploration methods to more sophisticated, data-driven approaches. This entails harnessing the power of big data analytics, AI, and remote sensing technologies to paint a more comprehensive and less intrusive picture of the earth’s subsurface. These technologies are not just tools; they are game-changers, offering the potential to uncover hidden resources with unprecedented precision.

By focusing on innovative exploration and resource assessment techniques, GAEA aims to set new industry standards. It is a commitment to ensuring that the quest for mineral resources is aligned with our responsibility towards the planet. In doing so, we are not just discovering new resources; we are paving the way for a more sustainable and responsible future in mineral exploration. Together, we embark on a journey that will redefine how we explore the Earth’s vast raw materials, ensuring a sustainable and prosperous future for all.

Join us in this quest for innovation and exploration that knows no bounds.

This Innovation Area is addressed to:

  • Individuals from Business, Finance, Marketing, Technology, and Engineering academic sectors studying or recently completed their studies (up to four years) in any European University
  • Researchers and/or Ph.D. students in any relevant to the Innovation Areas science fields from any European University

who have or want to develop an innovative idea for the exploration and raw materials resource assessment.

  • Complex Subsurface Geology: Accurately mapping and understanding complex subsurface geological formations remains a significant challenge, often leading to inefficient exploration and unexpected operational hurdles.
  • Environmental Impact: Balancing the intensity of exploration activities with environmental preservation is increasingly challenging, as there is a pressing need to minimize the ecological footprint of such operations.
  • Data Overload: As exploration technologies advance, they generate vast amounts of data. The challenge lies in effectively managing, analyzing, and extracting actionable insights from this data.
  • Cost-Effectiveness: High costs associated with advanced exploration techniques can be a barrier to their widespread adoption, especially by smaller entities or regions with limited funding.
  • Technological Integration: Integrating new exploration technologies, such as AI and drones, with traditional exploration methods is complex and often encounters resistance due to the disruptive changes required.
  • Advanced 3D Geological Mapping: Enhancing geological models with sophisticated 3D mapping techniques, providing clearer and more accurate representations of subsurface formations.
  • 4D Geological Modeling for Dynamic Analysis: Developing 4D geological models that incorporate time as a factor, allowing for the prediction and understanding of geological changes and resource depletion over time.
  • Drone Technology for Aerial Exploration: Utilizing drone technology for aerial surveying, enabling efficient, large-scale mapping and data collection in inaccessible areas.
  • Cost-Effective Exploration Instrumentation: Innovating in the development of more affordable exploration tools and methods, making advanced exploration accessible to smaller entities or regions with budget constraints.
  • Fast-Track Exploration Technologies: Creating methods and technologies that expedite the exploration process, reducing the time from discovery to extraction.
  • Remote Sensing for Mineral Identification: Implementing remote sensing technologies like hyperspectral imaging for advanced mineral composition analysis over extensive areas.
  • Non-Invasive Geophysical Techniques: Advancing geophysical exploration methods, such as enhanced gravity surveys and magnetic resonance, for less invasive and more accurate subsurface exploration.
  • Autonomous Robotic Exploration in Extreme Terrains: Developing autonomous or semi-autonomous robotic systems for exploration in extreme environments like deep sea or arctic regions.
  • Machine Learning for Predictive Mineral Exploration: Integrating advanced machine learning algorithms with geological data to predict potential mineral deposits, enhancing discovery rates, and reducing exploration costs.
  • Sustainable Exploration Practices: Focusing on sustainable and environmentally friendly exploration methods, aligning with global efforts to reduce the ecological impact of mineral extraction.
  • Collaborative Exploration Platforms: Creating platforms that facilitate collaboration and data sharing among various stakeholders in the exploration sector, enhancing efficiency and resource management.
  • Energy-Efficient Exploration Technologies: Innovating in the development of energy-efficient exploration technologies to reduce the carbon footprint of exploration activities.
  • Identify mineral compositions over large areas: Implementation of remote sensing technologies, such as hyperspectral imaging, without intrusive sampling methods.
  • Advancements in geophysical techniques for deep-earth exploration: Usage of less invasive and more precise in identifying ore deposits, like enhanced gravity and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for minerals.
  • Safer Exploration Methodologies: Developing exploration techniques that minimize risk, particularly in hazardous environments, ensuring the safety of personnel and the environment.

Categories of submission

Students

Are you a student and have or want to develop an innovative idea on GAEA’s Innovation Areas?

Submit here

Researchers

Are you a researcher and want to use your research to address today’s green challenges?

Submit here

Explore other Innovation Areas

Energy

Sustainability

Energy

Green Transition

Raw Materials

Mining in Challenging Environments

Raw Materials

Increased Resource Efficiency in Mineral and Metallurgical Processes

Raw Materials

Recycling and material chain optimisation for End-of-Life products

Raw Materials

Substitution of Critical and Toxic Materials in Products and for Optimized Performance

Raw Materials

Design of Products and Services for the Circular Economy

Energy

Energy Efficiency

Energy

Energy Storage

Energy

Smart & Sustainable Cities

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