EASTERN MACEDONIA – THRACE

30 Brokoumi St., 67100, Xanthi

The Regional Unit of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace (RUEMT – Xanthi Branch) was established in 1976, together with the foundation of IGME (as the Authority was then known), as part of its regional structure. Its area of activity extends from the Angitis River in the west to the Evros River in the east.

The purpose of this regional structure was to conduct research, address local challenges, and maintain close contact with institutions, communities, and local authorities within its jurisdiction. Based in the city of Xanthi, the RUEMT operates from its own offices in the city center, while the Chemistry Laboratory and Technical Workshop are housed in leased facilities.

Since its foundation, the regional unit has been active in all research fields of the HSGME. Its laboratory includes a rock sample grinding facility, and its fully equipped chemical laboratories are capable of carrying out comprehensive studies, including the chemical analysis of water. Funding for its projects has come from Public Investment Programs, MOP and ROP initiatives, and later from EU programs (2nd and 3rd CSF, and NSRF). In all projects, the RUEMT works in continuous collaboration with the central directorates of the HSGME.

RUEMT Activities

The region of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace is rich in metallic and non-metallic minerals, many of which were heavily exploited in antiquity for the extraction of base and precious metals.

Research on polymetallic sulfide deposits (Pb, Mo, Zn):

• Aisymi, Evros
• Thassos Island
• Therma, Xanthi
• Kirkis Public Mine, Evros

Mineral resources map of the region – Gold exploration (Au):

• Alluvial gold (Filouris River)
• Epithermal gold. The HSGME (formerly IGME) identified for the first time a significant epithermal gold deposit (Agios Dimitrios, Konos area – Sapes, Rodopi) during a successful research program (1988–1991).

Industrial minerals:

Eastern Macedonia and Thrace contains a wealth of industrial minerals extensively studied by the HSGME, including: zeolites, feldspars, wollastonite, garnet, graphite, quartz, kyanite, pozzolans, kaolinitic/sericitic clays, bentonite, chert, kaolin, feldspar-quartz materials, and semi-precious stones.

• Zeolites (Petrota, Pentalofos, Metaxades, Lefkimmi, Ferres in Evros; Skaloma, Rodopi)
• Feldspars (Paranesti, Drama)
• Wollastonite (Kimmeria, Xanthi; Panorama, Drama)
• Graphite (Therma, Xanthi)

Marbles & Aggregates:

The HSGME’s research in this field, both quantitative and qualitative, has significantly supported the development of marble extraction and processing as well as other construction materials. Most marble quarries are located in the Drama and Kavala regions, with major quarrying centers in Falakro, Pangaio, Thassos, and Lekani mountains.

Geothermal Energy:

Long-term research by the HSGME identified seven low-enthalpy geothermal fields (30–90 °C, depths of 100–600 m) in Aristino (Evros), Sapes and Lake Mitrikou (Rodopi), N. Kessani and Erasmio–Maggana (Xanthi), Eratino and Akropotamos (Kavala). Recent legislation has encouraged investment in the use of geothermal fluids for greenhouses, aquaculture, drying agricultural products, and even district heating, creating growth and jobs in local communities.

Hydrogeological research:

• River Ardas basin
• Makri–Maronia area
• Lekani mountains

This includes piezometric borehole projects and a groundwater monitoring network, aimed at the sustainable management of water resources for both irrigation and drinking water supply.

Environmental projects:

• Remediation of the abandoned Kirkis Mine
• Reuse of abandoned public mines

Geotechnical projects:

• Slope stability studies (Kavala – Panagia, Prophet Elias, DEPOS area; Thassos – Palataki, Limenaria)
• Boreholes and grouting to stabilize and restore sections of the ancient theater of Philippi
• Foundation studies for buildings (Arriana, Rodopi)
• Dam construction studies (Iasion and Agiasma, Rodopi)

Flood and disaster response:

The HSGME has consistently supported municipalities, prefectures, and regional authorities in managing flood and catastrophic events in Eastern Macedonia and Thrace, through Rapid Response Teams in Samothraki, Siderades (Rodopi), Mantaina (Xanthi), and Chrysokastro (Kavala).

Geological Mapping:

Systematic 1:50,000 scale mapping of all geological sheets within the region’s jurisdiction.

Projects for third parties:

• Water quality control for municipalities (Orestiada, Avdira) and private clients
• Hydrogeological boreholes (Municipality of Nevrokopi, Drama; Community of Metaxades, Evros)

With its contributions in energy, mineral resources, water management, disaster prevention, and environmental protection, the HSGME plays a decisive role in supporting the region’s development.

Read more about the chemical laboratory of the Regional Unit of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace:

Laboratory of the Regional Unit of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace