Mineral exploration plays a key role in ensuring a secure raw materials supply in the EU and Latin American countries. However, exploration must be aligned to local conditions and international trends in order to be more sustainable in the long-term period. For this reason, it is crucial to foster innovative solutions and practices improving and securing access to raw materials, in line with social and environmental standards. In this context, the EU-Latin America Partnership on Raw Materials (MDNP 2) project is hosting a free business-oriented webinar series showcasing examples and good practices of innovation from the field of mineral exploration, as a prerequisite for the integration of sustainable raw material value chains between the EU and Latin America. During the webinars, EU and Latin American experts will share their analysis and best practices, as key items for boosting responsible and sustainable non-energy extractive industries in both regions. The webinars will address MDNP members and stakeholders who wnat to gain insights on the progresses of both regions in driving responsible mining and building sustainable and resilient mineral raw materials value chains. All webinars will be translated simultaneously and offer English, Spanish and Portuguese audio channels. In order to get more information on the webinars, please check the dedicated...

PanAfGeo, an EU co-funded initiative that began in 2016, contributed to the transfer of knowledge between European and African Geological Surveys. PanAfGeo also ensured the institutional strengthening of many African national administrations in charge of geology and mining. Starting from the project’s past achievements, the phase two of the project will build on a consortium of 11 European Geological Surveys, including the the umbrella organization of the Geological Surveys of Europe, EuroGeoSurveys, and will be lead by BRGM, the Geological Survey of France. PanAfGeo-2 will aim at developing a set of knowledge and best practices exchange programmes for African geoscientists to acquire the state-of-the-art tools and learn new methods and skills in several geoscientific competences: Geoscientific MappingMineral Resources AssessmentArtisanal & Small-Scale MiningGeoheritage & Geothermal energyGeohazards & Environmental Management of MinesGeoresources Governance & OAGS/GSOs Institutional StrengtheningGeoscientific Information ManagementCommunication, Dissemination & Dialogue. For more insights about the PanAfGeo-2, view and read the press release in the project...

Last week, the EC circulated a new set of proposals delivering the 2030 climate change targets. Each of the proposed legislative tools and actions is leading up to a stronger EU climate policy framework, making the EU Green Deal a reality. The adopted package of legislative tools will apply to new and existing sectors: The ETS (Emission Trading System), which has been cutting emissions by 42.8% for the last 16 years, will be advanced to lower further down the emissions cap level while;More actions will be undertaken on the Effort Sharing Regulation, assigning different emission target reduction for EU Member States for buildings, road and domestic maritime transport, agriculture, waste and small industries;Member States will need to take further action for removing carbon from the atmosphere as presented in the Regulation on Land Use, Forestry and Agriculture;An update is proposed on the Renewable Energy Directive establishing a higher target (40%) for the energy produced from renewable sources;A higher binding target for reducing energy consumption at EU level will be provided by a new Energy Efficiency Directive;In order to achieve zero-emissions in the transport sector, a revised Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulation will require Member States to expand charging capacity in line with zero-emission car sales, while the ReFuelEU Aviation Initiative will oblige fuel suppliers to blend increasing levels of sustainable aviation fuels in jet fuel taken on-board at EU airports;Last but not least, a new Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism will put a carbon price on imports of a targeted selection of products to ensure that ambitious climate action in Europe does not lead to ‘carbon leakage’ for eventually contributing to a global emission reduction process. In order to get further information on the adopted package of legislative tools, check the European Commission press release and...

The European Commission has adopted the main work programme of Horizon Europe for the period 2021-2022. The programme outlines the objectives and topic areas that will receive a share of €14.7 billion in funding. The investment is intended to accelerate the green and digital transitions as well as contributing to a sustainable recovery from the pandemic. The first Horizon Europe calls will support and complement initiatives and programmes including the European Green Deal, the European Research Area, Europe’s Digital Decade and NextGenerationEU.  The first calls from the programme will launch on 22 June 2021 and more details about the calls will be shared during the EU R&I Days. Along with the approach approved by the Commission in the field of international cooperation in research and innovation, the programme includes targeted actions aiming at strengthening cooperation through multilateral initiatives, also including non-EU partners as for the Africa initiative. Learn more and find the work programme online or download the press release in the pdf....

The EU-Latin America Partnership on Raw Materials project is hosting a yearly webinar series addressing a diverse range of topics which are key to fostering responsible and sustainable non-energy extractive industries in Europe and Latin American regions. The upcoming online webinar EU-Latin America responsible battery value chains on 17 June (16:00 – 17:30h CEST) is a business-oriented event that seeks to showcase best practice examples of responsible battery raw materials value chain integration led by EU and Latin America stakeholders. A secure and responsible supply of battery raw materials is a vital prerequisite for electric mobility and renewable energy, and therefore it plays a key role in achieving a climate-neutral economy. The EU seeks to diversify its sources of battery raw materials and integrate its value chains with Latin American countries. In this context, responsible production and sourcing of these raw materials are paramount. The webinar will bring together experts from the EU and Latin America to share their analyses and best practices on responsible battery raw materials value chain integration. Thus, MDNP members (https://www.mineralplatform.eu/) will gain insights into the work being done in both regions on driving responsible mining and building sustainable and resilient mineral raw materials value chains. Webinar registrations will close on Monday, 14 June at 17:00 CEST. Remember that you must be logged in as MDNP member to register for this webinar. If you are not an MDNP member yet, submit your membership application as early as possible.*The eligibility criteria to become a member of the MDNP is to be legally based in an 27 EU Member State or in one of the following Latin American countries Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, Peru, Uruguay and to beactive in the fields relevant for the non-energy extractive industry sector. Governmental entities from other Latin American countries are also eligible as members of the MDNP. All...

European Research and Innovation Days is the European Commission’s annual flagship Research and Innovation event, bringing together policymakers, researchers, entrepreneurs and the public to debate and shape the future of research and innovation in Europe and beyond. The event will take place online on 23 and 24 June 2021, allowing everyone to get involved from anywhere. This year marks the start of Horizon Europe, our most ambitious EU research and innovation programme ever and will be a decisive moment to strengthen our European Research Area. Cooperation in research and innovation is essential in our recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic and will pave the way to a greener and more digital future. The European Research and Innovation Days represent a unique opportunity to add your voice to the conversation. The event is all about collaboration: bringing together individuals and experts from all areas to build connections and ignite a brighter future. For more information, please visit the event’s dedicated...

In order to overcome the societal challenges climate change is creating while adapt to the energy transition, European and international agendas have been stressing the necessity of a shift to renewable energy, a more sustainable use of sources and the implementation of low-climate impact measures to reach the zero-net carbon goal. However, the need for a more sustainable and effective framework for the European subsurface and its transition has not been stressed enough yet. Implementing new measures and a common understanding about subsurface and its management, including processes and linked potential, would lead to to a more secure and safe development of sustainable resources and their employment with new clean technologies. In this context, the Geoscience, Policy, and Society (GPS) 2021 was created as a free online event concept aiming to raise awareness and discuss this pressing subject. The event is being organized by Geological Survey Organizations in Europe – BRGM, GBA, GSB and EGS, and the U.S. Geological Survey, that have been engaged in providing the needed science for improved sustainable subsurface management and policy. The event will take place from 7-11 June 2021 and will focus on several aspects of geoscience-related themes and topics such as subsurface use, management, planning, and policy, comparing and learning from innovative science and experiences of both sides of the Atlantic Ocean. Side sessions are planned between 7 and 14 June 2021 to complement these discussions by addressing more specific topics. The GPS event will provide a networking space for policy makers, regulators, interest groups, geoscientists and representatives from industry and the research community dealing with the multiple uses and management of underground resources, and anyone with a broad interest in geoscience or any of the specific topics presented to join the discussions. For more information about...

Brussels, 23rd March 2021 The Prospectors & Developers Association of Canada (PDAC) has wrapped up its first-ever virtual convention that happened between March 8-11, 2021, receiving positive feedback and industry accolades. The annual PDAC Convention is the premier event of the world’s mineral exploration and mining industry that brings together mining executives, geologists, government officials, investors, analysts, and students from around the globe. With over 7,200 members around the world, PDAC’s mission is to promote a globally responsible, vibrant and sustainable mineral sector that encourages leading practices in technical, operational, environmental, safety and social performance. At the PDAC 2021 Virtual Convention, attendees had access to a customized platform where they could visit exhibit halls, network with colleagues, and join. This new virtual format allows attendees to continue networking by sending direct messages to other participants, engaging through text lounges, and watching educational sessions and newly added content for three months post-convention, until June 1, 2021. View and read the full press...

PRESS RELEASE: EuroGeoSurveys’ Strategic Research and Innovation Agenda (SRIA) Brussels, 11 February 2021 EuroGeoSurveys (EGS) – The Geological Surveys of Europe has published its Strategic Research and Innovation Agenda (SRIA). EGS, representing 38 National Geological Surveys in Europe, delineates its new research and innovation priorities through a short- and medium-term vision, with a programme of activities that will result in common pan-European projects. This new strategic document highlights the role of the European Geological Surveys as public organizations which provide the Geoscience knowledge base needed to boost research and innovation in Europe, contributing towards the EU’s ambitious targets in building a resilient society with prosperous economic growth. In line with the European Commission’s priorities for 2019-2024, this SRIA includes scientific topics within the scope of the European Green Deal, a Digital Future, an Economy that works for People and a stronger Europe in the World. View and read the full press...

The European Commission’s President Ursula von der Leyen has recently pledged that the European Commission will lead a sustainable and transformational recovery which will lead Europe to a “systemic modernization” of the economic and environmental sector. The President called for a healthier Europe by establishing some health research and development programs to enhance Europe’s capacity to respond to cross-border threats. Moreover, she pledged action to boost the single market, reinforce the Economic and Social Union, get the Schengen area working in full again, update the EU’s industry strategy and adapt its competition framework. Read the insights in the press...