With strong participation from distinguished figures in Science, Politics, and Business, the conference of the Hellenic Survey of Geology and Mineral Exploration (HSGME) was held on July 3–4 at the HSGME Amphitheater in the Olympic Village.
The HSGME Conference highlighted the importance of Geosciences in today’s challenges. From the utilization of rare and critical earths, mining activity, and geopolitics to geotourism; from climate change, waste management, and disaster prevention to the timely issue of water scarcity, the engaging thematic sessions drew the interest of hundreds of participants—from the new generation of scientists and the general public to seasoned experts—showcasing the breadth and urgency of Geological Science.
The proceedings, under the title “Exploring Our National Subsurface Wealth”, opened dialogues and delivered outcomes that strengthen cooperation among the scientific community, public institutions, and society, toward a sustainable and responsible utilization of our geological wealth.
Notably, HSGME’s General Director, Mr. Dionysios Goutis, thanking all who took part, emphasized that HSGME’s first conference sends the message that “knowledge and the application of geosciences can serve as a lever for nationwide development”: “HSGME does not simply manage data and maps. It manages responsibility: to monitor, protect, and showcase the country’s geological wealth with scientific rigor, transparency, and a development-oriented focus for Greece. The subsurface wealth we study may have formed over geological eras, but it does not belong to the past. It belongs to the future and the next generations. As ‘temporary stewards,’ we must safeguard what we manage, shaping policies for climate resilience, water management, energy transition, and disaster prevention.”
At the same time, HSGME’s President, Mr. Konstantinos Saltas, stressed: “Our conference addresses regional development and the economy in relation to mining activity in Greece. We held a comprehensive discussion on everything concerning the country’s mineral wealth and how it can drive growth.”
Throughout the conference, the importance of harnessing our geological wealth was underlined—not only for economic, tourism, and cultural development, but also for environmental protection and, critically, for tackling water scarcity, the demographic challenge, and the desertification of the periphery, including remote, border, mountainous, and island regions.
HSGME fosters scientific dialogue while also raising public awareness on these crucial issues, continuing to fulfill— with a strong sense of responsibility—its mission as the national body for geoscientific research.
You can watch the proceedings of the HSGME Conference at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t4FRqMDYmbI
Below are highlights from speakers’ remarks, by conference day:
DAY ONE
In the opening discussion, immediately after the organizers’ welcome, Aristotelis Aivaliotis, Secretary General for Energy and Mineral Resources at the Ministry of Environment and Energy, underscored the strategic significance of mining for the national economy. As he noted: “Mining activity can be combined with environmental protection and social cohesion”, adding: “The Ministry will continue to support HSGME so that investments are supported by scientific evidence.”
This was followed by a panel on “The Mining Sector and the National Economy: The Value of Mineral Exploration”, featuring Aristotelis Aivaliotis alongside Dionysios Goutis (HSGME General Director), Konstantinos Yazitzoglou (President, Hellenic Mining Enterprises Association), Christos Balaskas (President, “Hellenic Gold”), and Athanasios Kefalas (CEO, Imerys Gre). The discussion highlighted the geopolitical value of mining, strong investment interest, and prospects for autonomy—while stressing that social consensus is essential.
The second session, “Showcasing Critical Raw Materials: Needs, Uses, and Prospects”, included Petros Tzeferis (Director General for Mineral Raw Materials, Ministry of Environment and Energy), Ioannis Zafeiratos (Director for Metalliferous, Energy, and Industrial Minerals, Ministry of Environment and Energy), Vasileios Melfos (Professor, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki), Stefanos Kilias (Professor of Economic Geology and Geochemistry, NKUA), and Marianthi Anastasatou (staff member, HSGME Geochemistry & Environment Department). The session underscored the importance of raw materials and highlighted staff shortages as a key obstacle for experts’ efforts.
A particularly engaging “one-to-one” discussion featured APE journalist Ilias Palialexis with Efthymios Lekkas, Professor of Dynamic Tectonics, Applied Geology, and Disaster Management, who focused on major changes in Earth’s climate, operational planning, and the institutional framework required for prevention: “We are seeing events around the world unfold with enormous impacts.”
The third session, “Spatial Planning and Natural Disasters”, featured Efthymios Lekkas and Nikos Nikolaou (former IGME Director General and former Director of General & Applied Geology at HSGME) and Dimitrios Galanakis (Director, Management of Natural and Technological Risks, HSGME). Speakers emphasized cooperation and rapid response by all stakeholders, with particular reference to zoning and compensation for those affected by natural disasters. Ultimately, resilience in the potential post-disaster phase is the central objective.
The fourth session, “Mining Activity as a Central Pillar of Economic and Regional Development”, featured HSGME President Konstantinos Saltas and Christos Kavalopoulos (Director General, Hellenic Mining Enterprises Association), Kyriakos Asimakopoulos (Quarries & Raw Materials Director, AGET HERACLES LAFARGEHOLCIM), and Anthimos Xenidis (Professor, School of Mining & Metallurgical Engineering, NTUA). Speakers agreed that mining must remain a driver of development in the Greek regions, supported by more substantive state interventions.
A session of significant geopolitical interest followed: “EU Autonomy in Critical Raw Materials: Challenges, Priorities, and Greece’s Position”, with Konstantinos Laskaridis (Director of Mineral Resources & Mining, HSGME), Nikos Christou (CEO, European Bauxites S.A.), Lefteris Vasileiadis (Advisor to the Secretary General for Energy & Mineral Resources, Ministry of Environment and Energy), Giorgos Anastassakis (Professor–Director, Mineral Processing Lab, NTUA), and Dimitris Dimitriadis (Management Advisor, GEK TERNA Group). The discussion emphasized that Greece has raw material reserves and scientific know-how but needs stronger coordination among institutions, HSGME, and universities. Amid geopolitical instability, it should be a priority for both the EU and Greece to define strategies—this is a matter of survival and competitiveness.
After a short break, the conference continued with session six: “Innovative Technologies for the Exploration and Sustainable Extraction of Critical Raw Materials”. Speakers were Emmy Gazea (Environment Director, “Hellenic Gold”), Christos Kanellopoulos (HSGME, Department of Ore Deposit & Mining Research), Olga Chalkiadaki (HSGME, Analytical Laboratories Department), and Vasiliki Aggelatou (Head, Department of Mineral Raw Materials Technology & Metallurgy, HSGME). The panel agreed that sustainable extraction rests on a triptych of technology–transparency–participation and is a key pillar of Europe’s transition to a “green” economy.
The next session, “Waste Management and Green Infrastructure”, featured the Secretary General for Waste Management Coordination, Manolis Grafakos, who noted, among other points, that “Greece is promoting the recycling of excavation, construction, and demolition materials for reuse and quarry rehabilitation”, adding that “from laggard, the country has climbed to 18th place in the EU in waste management” and “by 2030 we will meet EU waste recovery targets.” He concluded: “Six energy recovery plants will cover the entire territory.”
Day one wrapped up with three more compelling sessions. The first: “Geothermal Energy and Power Generation: A Growing Reality”, with Apostolos Arvanitis (Head, HSGME Department of Geothermal & Therapeutic Natural Resources), Giorgos Tsifoutidis (Head, Geothermal Department, Ministry of Environment and Energy), Evangelos Spyridonos (Project Manager for Geothermal Projects, PPC Licensing Division), and Konstantinos Karytsas (Director of Technologies, CRES). Speakers focused on the significance of geothermal resources in Greece and, especially, on ways to harness them.
The penultimate session: “Underground Storage of CO₂ and Energy—Geological Solutions for Climate Neutrality”, with Nikolaos Koukouzas (Research Director, CERTH), Katerina Sardi (Country Manager & Managing Director, Energean Greece), Vasileios Gaganis (Professor, NTUA), and Nikos Bozos (Greece CCUS Manager, Heracles Group, Holcim). The session presented compelling insights into climate neutrality in Europe and Greece, noting that stable funding streams and continuous policy support are essential.
The final session of day one: “Digital Transformation and Geospatial Data”, with Aspasia Zalachori (Head, HSGME e-Government Department), Stylianos Sakaretsios (Chairman of the Board, Hellenic Cadastre), Lt. Col. Charalampos Paraschos (Director, Hellenic Army Geographical Service), and Dimitris Giantsis (General Director of Projects, Information Society S.A.). Discussion centered on how digital transformation can support the utilization and registration of geospatial data.
DAY TWO
The second day opened with a “one-to-one” discussion with Petros Varelidis, Secretary General for the Natural Environment and Water at the Ministry of Environment and Energy, who clarified the State’s aim to set appropriate conditions ensuring environmentally respectful extraction.
Sessions began with “Geoculture and Local Identity: Geological Heritage as a Cultural Resource”, with speakers Antonia Moropoulou (Professor, NTUA), Niki Evelpidou (Professor of Geography and Climatology, NKUA), Konstantinos Laskaridis (Director of Mineral Resources & Mining, HSGME), and Ioanna Doutsi (Chemical Engineer, NTUA). Panelists agreed that HSGME can play a pivotal role in geocultural initiatives bridging geology and culture.
The second session addressed “Water Scarcity and Water Resources: Challenges and Sustainable Management Practices”, with Athanasios Markinos (CEO, Thessaly Water Management Organization), Maria Tzima (President, Association of Greek Geologists), Konstantinos Voudouris (Professor, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki), Vasileios Zorapas (Head, HSGME Department of Hydrogeology & Hydrology), and Katerina Dimitrou (Head of New Activities, Strategy & Innovation Directorate, EYDAP). Speakers emphasized the severity of water scarcity and placed water resource management high on the agenda.
The third session focused on “Soil and Water Pollution: Impacts and Mitigation Measures”, with Alexandros Liakopoulos (Head, HSGME Geochemistry & Environment Department), Nikos Xirokostas (HSGME, Analytical Laboratories Department), Heraklis Panagiotakis (Director, ENYDRON), Dimitris Dermatas (Professor of Geoenvironmental Pollution and Head of the Water Resources & Environment Division, NTUA), and Charalampos Syropoulos (Dipl. Surveying Engineer, NTUA, MSc). As was aptly put: “If we’re well-prepared on the… starting blocks, we’ll win the battle against pollution.”
The next session addressed “Water Resources and Agricultural Production: From Overexploitation to Sustainable Management”, with Menelaos Gardikiotis (President, GEOTEE), Xenophon Stavropoulos (Consultant, X. Stavropoulos & Partners GEOENVIRO), Chrysoula Nikolarou (Head, Water Services Costing & Pricing Department, General Directorate for Water), Panagiotis Sambatakakis (Director of Water Resources & Geothermal Energy, HSGME), and Miltos Gouzouris (CEO, HVA International). Speakers stressed the necessary shift to rational water use, drawing on traditional techniques.
The conference continued with a session on “Addressing Geohazards in Greece: Policies, Strategic Planning, and Practical Applications”, featuring Efthymios Lekkas (Professor of Dynamic Tectonics, Applied Geology & Disaster Management, NKUA), Eleftheria Pogiatsi (Director, General & Applied Geology, HSGME), and Andreas Antonakos (Department of Natural Disasters, Ministry of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection). The panel agreed that although Greece is well protected seismically, constant readiness is imperative.
The following session, “Monitoring and Forecasting Geohazards with Innovative Technologies: From Data to Decision-Making”, featured Athanasios Ganas (President, Geological Society of Greece), Kostas Papazachos (Professor of Seismology & Geophysics, Aristotle University), Natalia Spanou (HSGME, Technical Geology Department), and Georgios Vougioukalakis (former Head, Natural Disasters Department, HSGME). Among the points raised: “Smart earthquake-forecasting systems also need smart people to operate them.”
Two “one-to-one” talks followed: with former minister, MP, and Professor of International Law & Foreign Policy at Panteion University Angelos Syrigos on “Environment, International Law, and Diplomacy”, and with Attica Deputy Regional Governor Konstantinos Zombos on “Waste Management and Green Infrastructure: From Need to Action.”
The former also made geopolitical references regarding Turkey’s designs in the Eastern Mediterranean, noting: “Can Greece and Spain draw their maritime borders on their own? No, because Italy lies in between. That is what Turkey overlooked in our case.”
The latter focused on bolstering the country’s resilience with stream cleanups, flood-protection works, and more.
The penultimate session, “Geothermal Energy and Reducing Energy Consumption: Prospects for Implementation in Greece”, featured Charalampos Chrysochoidis (Technical Support & Natural Resources Department, Decentralized Administration of Macedonia–Thrace, responsible for geothermal issues), Kleanthis Kotsakiachildis (Mayor of Herakleia), Apostolos Arvanitis (Head, HSGME Department of Geothermal & Therapeutic Natural Resources), and Efthymios Leivaditis (Vice President, Thrace Greenhouses). The panel’s message was clear: with inter-agency cooperation and the right incentives from the State, Geothermal Energy can soar.
The final session addressed “Geotourism and Thermal Tourism as Drivers of Sustainable Development”, with Dimitris Loukas (Mayor of Lavreotiki), Nikos Zouros (Professor of Physical Geography–Geomorphology, University of the Aegean), Eirini Zananiri (Head, HSGME Department of General Geology, Geological Mapping & Applications), and Konstantinos Athanasoulis (Head, HSGME Analytical Laboratories Department). Speakers underscored the need for management bodies to operate and showcase geoparks as assets for tourism.
ESTABLISHING A TRADITION
Organizers concluded that the conference achieved its goals. HSGME now aims to make it an annual institution, engaging government, academia, finance, and business across the geosciences.
KEY REMARKS
Angelos Syrigos (Professor of International Relations, Panteion University; former minister; MP for Athens A, New Democracy): “I participated in HSGME’s conference in my scientific capacity to discuss the critical issue of mining and the exploitation of our natural wealth. It’s not only that our country has rich mountains and vast seas; more importantly, beneath our surface lies immense wealth that we must actively harness. In past decades this was a primary goal, but in recent years it faded. Inevitably, it is resurfacing. We must not only know where our wealth is—we must also put it to use.”
Konstantinos Zombos (Deputy Regional Governor of Attica): “Congratulations to HSGME on the conference. It’s an excellent initiative that highlights the Organization’s importance and, above all, its participation, contribution, and role in the public debate on green energy, the environment, and sustainable development. For us, Region and environment are inseparable. Just days ago, we signed the integrated green spatial investment for the three metropolitan parks in Attica—the Attiko Alsos, Pedion tou Areos, and ‘Antonis Tritsis’ Park. We’re talking about €27 million in funding for infrastructure upgrades, sports facilities, fire protection and detection, etc. We stand by every effort like HSGME’s, with resources and steady collaboration.”
Petros Varelidis (Secretary General for the Natural Environment and Water, Ministry of Environment and Energy): “It’s vital to highlight HSGME’s role in addressing water scarcity by exploring groundwater and conducting new drillings. HSGME can help leverage the country’s mineral wealth. Greece should not rely solely on the ‘monoculture’ of tourism—we must invest in a range of activities. Water scarcity is here to stay. Significant investments are needed. A rough estimate suggests that by 2030 we may need over €10 billion just for water supply. This requires funding, prioritization, evaluation, and sequencing to ensure resources are used where they are most needed.”
Manolis Grafakos (Secretary General for Waste Management Coordination, Ministry of Environment and Energy): “We discussed waste management in Greece, especially excavation and demolition waste. It’s a major issue that the government will focus on in the near term. There’s a huge volume of such waste. It must go to management facilities, we must achieve better results from processing, and we must rehabilitate quarries in Attica. We’ve already opened the first site and will open three more soon. We shed ample light on this topic and showed it’s a key priority.”
Stelios Sakaretsios (Chairman, Hellenic Cadastre): “This is a very important conference that brings spatial issues to the fore. We discussed the progress made on the National Cadastre. Over the last two years, we’ve been undergoing an extensive digital transformation. Our goal is to provide 100% of our services digitally in the near future. Today, from the 5% level of September 2023, we’ve reached 92%. We’re advancing major projects such as the unified property register, which will— for the first time—create a database consolidating all information and establishing a single building identity through which data will be exchanged via GOV.gr.”
Efthymis Lekkas (Professor of Disaster Management): “We discussed risk and crisis management—especially natural disasters, which are now a daily concern. The climate crisis is here and affects the occurrence, extent, frequency, and severity of events, creating an entirely new framework to which we must adapt. Operationally, steps have been taken to ensure a direct link between the scientific community, operational agencies, and the State. We’re at a good level and can further improve our resilience.”
Kostas Papazachos (Professor of Seismology & Geophysics, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki): “Our goal wasn’t to recount what each scientist saw in each event. It was to examine how new technologies are transforming geosciences at every level and—above all—how these results feed into institutional and operational frameworks. I try to see the glass half full. There’s always inertia in the system when it comes to accepting change. Remnants of the austerity era still affect funding. Young scientists prefer to work abroad. Conditions here are challenging. The public sector’s staffing has been curtailed, and we must address this.”
Maria Tzima (President, Association of Greek Geologists): “HSGME’s conference is a very important initiative. We must bring all specialties together to exchange views and find solutions. The conference supports the extroversion of science and helps convey our requests to the State. Cooperation between Geologists and Engineers is at a very good level. The Hydrogeologist’s contribution is crucial in combating water scarcity.”
Alexandros Liakopoulos (Head, HSGME Geochemistry & Environment Department): “We had an opportunity to address soil and water pollution and how to tackle it. We exchanged many useful views with all panel members. We discussed the EU directive now in its final stage. When implemented in 2025, it will have immediate implications for Greece. We set out what needs to be done from here on. We must move forward to meet our national obligations—quickly—and deliver tangible results.”
Nikos Zouros (Professor of Physical Geography–Geomorphology, University of the Aegean): “It’s very important that HSGME’s national conference presents everything related to showcasing our geological heritage, Greece’s landscapes, and our geological formations. All this can make a major contribution to developing alternative forms of tourism and, ultimately, boosting Greece’s regions with new jobs and activities. This way, we elevate the country’s natural wealth not as a constraint on development but as a driver—especially in areas facing demographic challenges, such as mountainous, island, and remote regions. Don’t forget: every year 32–33 million tourists come to Greece to enjoy this unique landscape and beauty.”
Athanasios Markinos (CEO, Thessaly Water Management Organization): “Unfortunately, water scarcity is manifesting in its most acute form this year. In Thessaly—traditionally water-deficient—the situation is worse than any other year. When northern Greece faces severe problems, you understand how serious things are. Our newly established authority is trying to coordinate all water users, primarily for irrigation. In Thessaly, 93% of water is consumed by agriculture. Coordination is essential to support the primary sector with minimal losses.”
Dimitris Dermatas (Professor of Geoenvironmental Pollution; Head, Water Resources & Environment Division, NTUA): “HSGME—like its counterparts in the U.S. and France—is a pillar. Its role is vital for our country. A look at Greece’s historical development—e.g., lignite—makes this clear. HSGME is a reliable partner at every level—laboratory and beyond. The standards are very high; one can only speak positively.”
Antonia Moropoulou (Professor Emerita, NTUA; Vice President, TCG): “I’m very pleased to have participated. We discussed geoculture—the contribution of geological materials to shaping the image of Culture and Development. The longstanding collaboration of our interdisciplinary team at NTUA with HSGME led to important international publications and practical outcomes, from the seismic protection of Hagia Sophia to the restoration of the Holy Aedicule of the Holy Sepulchre. HSGME’s role is crucial for protecting and restoring monuments and for the sustainable development of regions by fostering opportunities for alternative tourism. In this way, our remote areas—mountains and islands—can move into the future.”
Konstantinos Voudouris (Professor, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki): “Greece faces a high risk of insufficiency. We need more water to meet demands and are experiencing prolonged drought. The solutions come down to three words: Conservation. Storage—especially in winter. Reuse—through the circular economy to meet irrigation needs with treated wastewater. These require infrastructure: dams, networks, reservoirs, etc. The State must fund such projects with strict timelines. I propose that new buildings with lawns be required to have tanks to collect rainwater. We need targeted solutions tailored to each region’s specificities.”
Ioanna Doutsi (Chemical Engineer, NTUA; member of ‘Boulouki’): “The country’s geological heritage is immense. There is significant mineral wealth. From geotourism and the geoparks network to linking geology with architecture, there are many research projects that promote these connections within our heritage.”
Dimitris Dimitriadis (Management Advisor, GEK TERNA Group): “Our remarks focused on LARCO. We believe it has a green future and that a sound hydrometallurgy investment can revive industrial activity.”
Efthymios Tartaras (Head of Geosciences, HHRM S.A.): “We discussed carbon capture and storage—vital for mitigating climate change and maintaining the competitiveness of Greece’s economy. The panel brought together industry and academia. As the competent authority for CO₂ storage, we outlined the steps we’re taking to identify additional storage sites.”
Konstantinos Laskaridis (Director of Mineral Resources & Mining, HSGME): “Our contribution focused on the critical raw materials program submitted by our agency. We’re now in the implementation phase. We outlined existing issues—such as human resources and the incentives needed for specialization—and the challenges ahead. We must help society change how it views raw materials in general. HSGME contributes to this effort. We need to decide whether Europe wants to stand on its own feet—with self-sufficiency and a robust economy—without depending on China or other third countries.”
Vasileios Zorapas (Head, HSGME Department of Hydrogeology & Hydrology): “HSGME’s initiative to spotlight the issues that concern us—especially environmental and developmental—is important. Water scarcity is a complex challenge. We’re now in a phase where the problem has intensified due to drought and adverse climatic conditions. Greece needs a comprehensive national water policy. Above all, we must cultivate a culture of stewardship at the individual level. With proper conservation measures and sound management, we will rise to the challenge and sustain both the primary and tourism sectors.”
Dimitris Giantsis (General Director of the General Directorate of Projects, ‘Information Society’ S.A.): “I’m very pleased to be here. We’re seeing yet another project undertaken by Information Society reach successful completion. Through this project, numerous important geospatial and environmental datasets—and mineral data—will be published, supporting critical public-sector domains in energy, urban planning, and civil protection—matters of human safety. We deliver our projects on time and to the required quality.”
Katerina Sardi (Managing Director & Country Manager, Energean): “We discussed progress on CO₂ storage at Prinos. We’re on a very good track to secure all required environmental permits by the fall so we can implement the first phase of the investment, funded by the Recovery Fund. That’s our plan, to be carried out within 2026, followed by the large-scale storage phase by 2029. The panel included highly regarded academics who confirmed Prinos’s absolute safety for CO₂ retention.”
Nikolaos Koukouzas (Research Director, CERTH): “It’s an impressive conference that has brought together Greece’s geoscientists and covered a wide range of topics—from natural disasters to CO₂, geothermal energy, critical raw materials, and more. We’re delighted to be here at an upgraded HSGME, with new prospects and technologies. The conference fully reflects this reality.”
GOLD SPONSORS: HELLAS GOLD, Metlen Energy & Metals
SILVER SPONSORS: ENEARTH, Nu Aqua S.A.
MEDIA SPONSORS: Athens–Macedonian News Agency (APE–MPΕ), Naftemporiki