A comprehensive and technically robust National Programme for Critical Raw Materials Research has been submitted to the European Commission by the Hellenic Survey of Geology and Mineral Exploration (EAGME), the competent national authority responsible for conducting public mineral exploration in Greece.
Through a multidisciplinary approach — encompassing geological and geophysical surveys, drilling campaigns, sampling, mineralogical and geochemical analyses, and techno-economic assessments — the project seeks to establish a solid scientific and technological foundation for the sustainable and rational utilization of Greece’s mineral resources. This effort aims to significantly contribute to regional development and to Greece’s and Europe’s energy transition towards a more sustainable future.
The National Programme for Critical Raw Materials Research constitutes the structural and operational framework of the project implemented by EAGME under the title: “Research and Exploitation Actions of Critical Raw Materials to Support the Green Deal/Development and the Implementation of the Circular Economy – KOPY.” It falls within the framework of Regulation (EU) 2024/1252 of the European Parliament, which establishes a framework for ensuring a secure and sustainable supply of critical raw materials (Critical Raw Materials Act).
The programme aligns with both European and national strategies aimed at strengthening the self-sufficiency and resilience of the European Union in the vital sector of Critical Raw Materials. With a focus on critical and strategic minerals, the KOPY project addresses the challenges posed by the European Green Deal and the Circular Economy, emphasizing the evaluation, utilization, and sustainable management of national mineral resources.
Main objectives of the National Programme for Critical Raw Materials Research:
- Re-evaluation and estimation of reserves within state-owned mining areas, focusing on their potential in critical raw materials.
- Targeted exploration of critical raw materials to prepare for international tenders by the Ministry of Environment and Energy, ensuring their rational exploitation and sustainable management.
- Assessment of extractive waste from inactive public mines, addressing environmental impacts and exploring opportunities for their integration into the circular economy.
- Techno-economic re-evaluation of selected deposits to identify viable prospects for development, in harmony with environmental and social considerations.
Statement by EAGME’s Director General, Mr. Dionysios Goutis:
“The energy transition begins and ends with the responsible use of critical raw materials.
The National Programme for Critical Raw Materials Research, which we developed and submitted to the European Commission, establishes an integrated framework for assessing, highlighting, and utilizing Greece’s potential in critical and strategic raw materials. Its implementation by HSGME strengthens the country’s capacity in geoscientific research and documentation, aligns with Europe’s goals for strategic autonomy, and serves as a catalyst for a new mining policy focused on sustainability, innovation, and geo-economic stability.
In an increasingly competitive global landscape for natural resources, this National Programme is not only a tool for geological research but also a strategic national initiative. It aims to reinforce Greece’s production model, support regional development, and ensure the country’s active participation in Europe’s emerging industrial policy.
The Hellenic Survey of Geology and Mineral Exploration and its dedicated scientific and technical staff continue to perform work of vital importance for Greece, contributing to environmental protection and the sustainable management of the nation’s mineral resources.