The Hellenic Survey of Geology and Mineral Exploration (HSGME), utilizing funds derived from the auctioning of greenhouse gas emission allowances managed by the Ministry of Environment and Energy (YPEN), implements the project “Research and Utilization Actions for Critical Raw Materials to Support the Green Deal/Development and the Implementation of the Circular Economy – KOPY.”
The Critical Raw Materials (CRM) and Rare Earth Elements (REE) are key enablers for developing innovative technologies and investments essential for the green transition and clean energy. They are required both in high-tech products (e.g., lasers, smartphones, LCD screens) and in “green” applications such as rechargeable batteries for electric vehicles, photovoltaics, fluorescent and LED lighting, and wind turbine magnets. They are also crucial for the electromobility industry (bicycles, catalytic converters, trains, trucks, ships, aircraft) and artificial intelligence applications.
The energy transition both begins and ends with the responsible utilization of critical raw materials and rare earths. Achieving global climate neutrality is inseparably linked to the availability and secure access to these resources.
The project focuses on ensuring secure access to mineral raw materials, a matter of strategic importance for achieving the goals of the European Green Deal. To ensure supply security and sufficiency, it is necessary to:
- Diversify supply sources from both primary and secondary resources,
- Reduce dependence on non-EU countries,
- Improve resource efficiency and enhance circularity,
- Promote sustainable product design in line with [COM(2020) 474 final].
Through the implementation of the European Green Deal, the project promotes long-term self-sufficiency and resilience of Europe in terms of mineral raw materials, aiming to establish a climate-neutral economy. A prerequisite for this transition is the existence of sustainable mineral resource reserves.
Project Objectives
- Assessment and estimation of mineral reserves in Public Mining Areas (selected in cooperation with YPEN).
- Evaluation of mining waste from inactive public mines and slate quarries, including assessment of their environmental impact, to explore their potential for reuse in the context of the circular economy.
- Targeted research on Critical Raw Materials to support YPEN in conducting open international tenders for their rational and sustainable exploitation.
- Techno-economic re-evaluation of selected deposits.
Expected Results & Benefits
The KOPY project is expected to deliver multiple benefits to:
- Public authorities and government agencies,
- Regional and municipal administrations representing local communities,
- Universities and research centers,
- Investors, mining companies, and other industrial enterprises,
- Industry associations, professional chambers, and social stakeholders,
- Citizens and the broader society.
Strategic goals supported through this project include:
- Implementation of the European Green Deal and related environmental and climate policies (EU Climate Law, EU Strategy on Climate Change Adaptation).
- Support of the National Energy and Climate Plan (NECP), with a particular focus on critical mineral resources.
Through its implementation, HSGME positions Greece at the core of the European strategy for critical raw materials, strengthening the country’s role in the European framework for green growth and sustainable resource management.
Project Manager: Konstantinos Laskaridis, Head of the Directorate of Mineral Resources and Mining (DOPME)
Funding Body: Ministry of Environment and Energy (YPEN)
Project Budget: €5,694,555
Implementation Period: 2024–2027
