CENTRAL MACEDONIA

1 Fragkon St., 54626, Thessaloniki

The Hellenic Authority for Geological and Mineral Research (H.S.G.M.E.) has a long-standing contribution to the exploration and sustainable use of the country’s mineral and water resources, as well as to environmental protection.

The Regional Unit of Central Macedonia (PMKM), with its long presence in Northern Greece, has played an important role in the national economy by identifying energy resources (lignite), geothermal fields, marble-bearing zones, and significant mineral deposits.

In Northern Greece, a region with a long history of geological and mining research, the scientific staff of the Central Macedonia unit has contributed to the discovery of:

1. Manganese (Drama), lead, zinc, copper (Aisimi, Kirki, Polykastro), porphyry copper deposits (Skouries, Chalkidiki, Pontokerasia, Kilkis), and magnesite (Gerakini).
2. Precious metals such as gold and silver in Olympiada (Chalkidiki) and Sappes (Rodopi).
3. Olivine deposits with current and potential applications in Chromio (Grevena) and Vavdos (Chalkidiki).
4. Mapping of marble-bearing zones across Greece’s largest quarrying centers (Falakro, Pangaio, Thasos, Vermio, Lekani Mountains, Tisaio). The studies assessed quality, commercial types, quarrying waste volumes, and their mineralogical and chemical properties for reuse.
5. Comprehensive surveys of aggregate quarries across Northern Greece, estimating annual output and reserves.
6. Industrial minerals, such as kaolin and feldspars (Drama), white carbonates (Vermio, Falakro), and pozzolanic materials (Aridaia).
7. Key geothermal fields: Aetos (Florina), Sosandra (Aridaia), Alexandria, Agistro, Lithotopos, Iveron, Erateino (Nestos), Nea Kessani, Sappes, Apollonia, and Kassandra (Chalkidiki), among others. The identified thermal capacity exceeds 200 MWt.
8. Hydrogeological research across Macedonia and Thessaly, including karst aquifers (Menoikio, Pangaio, Agistro, Olympus). Special emphasis was given to potable water quality and resolving supply issues in local municipalities.
9. Environmental protection through Environmental Rehabilitation Studies of uncontrolled landfill sites (ΧΑΔΑ) and other waste management projects.
10. Creation of a water resources database, recording municipal water supplies across the region (in cooperation with KEDE).

Currently, the PMKM is actively collaborating with central services on EU-funded projects (ESPA 2014–2020), including:

1. The exploration, evaluation, and delivery to society of Greece’s Mineral Raw Materials (DYOPY).
2. The groundwater monitoring network (DIPYN) across Northern Greece.
3. The systematic recording of hydrogeological points (SAMY project).

Additionally:

1. Two geologists from PMKM participate in the Rapid Response Team for Geotechnical Studies in areas affected by natural disasters of geological origin.
2. The unit implements Public Investment Program (PIP) projects such as the “Environmental rehabilitation and release of HAGMR storage facilities” across Greece, in collaboration with all regional units.