SECURE AND SUSTAINABLE SUPPLY OF RAW MATERIALS FOR EU INDUSTRY

S34I will research and innovate new data-driven methods to analyse Earth Observation (EO) data, supporting systematic mineral exploration and continuous monitoring of extraction, closure and post-closure activities with the aim to increase European knowledge and autonomy on raw materials resources. S34I uses EO not only for the management of technical and environmental issues for a green transition but also to support mining's social acceptance (SLO) and better legislation. Innovative EO-based products/services will provide new or more accurate RM mineral mapping/exploration, environmental and mine monitoring and mine safety, at different phases of the mine life cycle.

S34I will exploit Copernicus and other satellite sensors (optical and radar), while other platforms as airborne, low-altitude platforms, ground-based, in-situ techniques/methods, and fieldwork will serve either for calibration, validation or to complement Copernicus data especially at the very high scale spatial or spectral resolution.

S34I will provide 6 new open high added value datasets, 14 new methods to analyze EO data using Artificial Intelligence being utilized at different phases of the mining life cycle, 3 new prototyped EO based services for mining stakeholders, 1 research and innovation agenda on EO for mining, a set of recommendations for better policy, and guidelines for EO uptake by the mining industry. S34I results will be validated at six different locations in different phases of the mining life-cycle: (i) land exploration in Spain; (ii) coastal exploration at the Iberian Peninsula Atlantic coast; iii) extraction phase in Austria and; iv) closure/post-closure phase in Finland and Germany.

S34I is an EU wide interdisciplinary and complementary team embracing partners from 11 countries and with a 50/50 balance between industrial and research profiles. S34I mining stakeholders will lead the path towards mining de-carbonization while creating social and economic impact through EO uptake.