Exploration Information System

Exploration Information System (EIS) proposal has been compiled by a consortium, which consists of 18 partners from leading research

institutes (4), academia (5), service providers (4) and industry (4). The consortium members come from six European Union member states (FI, FR, DE, ES, CZ, SE) and South Africa. One associate member of the consortium comes from Brazil. This consortium represents the main metal producing regions of Europe: Fennoscandian Shield, Iberian Pyrite Belt and Central European Belt. These economically most important metallogenic belts of the EU have diverse geology with evident potential for different types of new mineral resource. The mineral deposits in these belts are the most feasible sources of critical, high-tech and other economically important metals in the EU. Furthermore, the project has reference sites in South Africa and Brazil. The project consortium has also a vast international collaboration network, e.g. 50% of the Advisory Board members have been invited from outside EU.

EIS will develop new data analysis methods by applying artificial intelligence, machine learning, deep learning into mineral prospectivity mapping together with new geomodels and mineral systems modelling. Methods developed reduce the current high exploration costs and improve the accuracy of the targeting of the early phase exploration. This makes mineral exploration responsible in terms of energy efficiency or minimizing footprint of mineral exploration on nature as the aim is to make most out of the already existing exploration data. Project will apply UNFC code to harmonize the diverse population of mineral deposits and occurrences which will be used as training sites and validation data sets in prospectivity mapping for critical raw materials within EU. In addition, tools will be tested for secondary raw materials prospectivity. Project will also raise awareness of general public on the importance of critical raw materials to the EU's economy and welfare.