1821 — 1917
The path toward the formation of the modern Greek state begins.
In 1837, the University of Athens and the Sunday Technical School “Polytechnic School” were founded. The latter eventually evolved into the National Technical University of Athens (NTUA), which operated as a higher educational institution after 1889.
In 1896, the Laboratory and Museum of Mineralogy and Petrology were established at the University of Athens. Later, in 1906, the Chair of Geology and Paleontology was created, along with its corresponding laboratory and museum.
In 1861, the first Mining Law was enacted, later replaced by updated legislation in 1910.
At the time, very few Greek specialists in geosciences had studied or completed their training at European universities. A Geological Service did not yet exist.
1917
The Metallurgical Laboratory is established within the Ministry of National Economy.
1918
The position of Inspector Geologist is created at the Ministry of National Economy.
1919
The first Geological Service of Greece is founded under the Ministry of Transport.
1920
The Geological Office is created within the Ministry of National Economy, merging the Inspector Geologist with the Metallurgical Laboratory.
1920 — 1925
Two state services with overlapping responsibilities operate in parallel: the Geological Service under the Ministry of Transport and the Geological Office under the Ministry of National Economy.
1925
The Geological Service of the Ministry of Transport is abolished, and its responsibilities are transferred to the Geological Office of the Ministry of National Economy, which is renamed the Geological Service.
1926 — 1944
The Geological Service remains within the Ministry of National Economy, at the level of a directorate, staffed by no more than five people. In 1939, it is divided into two departments: Geological and Geophysical.
1945 — 1951
In 1952, the Institute of Geology and Subsurface Research (IGSR) is founded by Law 2046/1952 as a public legal entity, under the supervision of the Ministry of Coordination. Staff are drawn from the Ministries of Coordination and Industry, as well as SEGGE. This marks the beginning of systematic geological mapping and subsurface exploration in Greece.
Geological research and mineral exploration are conducted by IGSR, which in 1960 is placed under the Ministry of Industry.
In 1964, new provisions are established governing the conduct of state-led mineral exploration.
1972 — 1976
In 1972, Legislative Decree 1185/1972 abolishes IGSR and establishes the National Institute of Geology and Mineral Research (NIGMR) as a private legal entity under the Ministry of Culture and Sciences.
Geological research and mineral exploration continue under NIGMR.
1976
NIGMR is dissolved, and by Law 272/1976 the Institute of Geology and Mineral Exploration (IGME) is founded as a private legal entity under the Ministry of Industry.
1976 — 1994
Between 1976 and 1977, IGME establishes regional branches in Xanthi, Thessaloniki, Kozani, Preveza, and Tripoli, followed later (1984) by a branch in Crete.
In 1982, IGME comes under the Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources, and from late 1985 under the Ministry of Industry, Energy, and Technology.
This period is marked by intensive activity, with major mineral exploration projects. IGME studies the country’s potential for lignite, uranium, alluvial gold, polymetallic sulfides, magnesite, ferronickel, and chromite.
Most projects are funded by the Public Investment Program, and after 1990 partly through the First EU Community Support Framework.
1995 — 2011
IGME’s projects are integrated into and funded by EU Community Support Frameworks. The Institute also becomes increasingly active in projects financed by other European programs.
From 1996 to 2009, IGME is under the Ministry of Development, and in 2009 it is transferred to the Ministry of Environment, Energy, and Climate Change (MEECC).
In 2008, its central services move to a new headquarters in the Olympic Village, Thrakomakedones.
2011 — 2015
By Ministerial Decision 25200/2011, IGME is merged into EKBAA, which operates for approximately four years.
2015 — 2019
In 2015, IGME is reestablished by Decision 12935/2015, under the supervision of the Ministry of Environment and Energy (MEECC).
Its projects are funded by the EU’s NSRF program and the Public Investment Program. IGME continues to participate in EU-funded projects and carries out significant work for local authorities under programmatic agreements.
IGME is dissolved and placed into liquidation by Law 4602/2019.
2019
The Hellenic Survey of Geology and Mineral Exploration (HSGME) is established as a public legal entity under the Ministry of Environment and Energy, pursuant to Law 4602/2019.
HSGME is designated as the official advisor to the Greek state on geology and mineral resources.
Its mission is to conduct and monitor geological and mineral research on behalf of the state; to prepare studies and provide scientific opinions for public and private bodies on geoscience, geological hazards, the geo-environment, energy, mining, and related fields; to carry out geological, hydrogeological, and mineral exploration of the country; to study the utilization of its underground resources; and to exercise regulatory and oversight responsibilities.