Minerals Intelligence Network for Europe (Minerals4EU)

Country / Region: Europe

Begin of project: September 1, 2013

End of project: August 31, 2015

Status of project: March 1, 2014

Meeting in Espoo - September 16, 2013 Source: GTK and Jari Väätäinen

The Minerals Intelligence Network for Europe (Minerals4EU) project is developing a mineral knowledge base and a related mineral intelligence network for Europe delivering a European Minerals Yearbook, a Knowledge Data Platform, and a Foresight Study. The intelligence network will provide data, information and knowledge on mineral resources concerning Europe. Thus, Minerals4EU is designed to meet the recommendations of the Raw Materials Initiative and provides a fundamental contribution to the European Innovation Partnership on Raw Materials. Tools and expertise on both primary and secondary mineral resources are generated to support the security of raw material supply and the enhancement of resource efficiency for Europe. Minerals4EU is funded by the European Commission within the FP7 Framework Programme.

The Federal Institute for Geosciences and Natural Resources (BGR) is responsible for developing a Foresight Study on mineral raw materials supply and demand with focus on Europe. Special attention will be paid to critical minerals. The development of this study will be contributing to the overall goal to build a sustainable network of competent partners for future updates and refinement of the Foresight Study. The BGR bundles the expertise of nine European National Geological Surveys and three research institutes.

As basis for the Foresight Study, a trans-disciplinary approach will be developed to identify future supply and demand issues and to explicitly address the complexity of the mineral raw material supply and demand system. The study aims to describe factors that have a relevant influence on this system. It further aspires to enlighten topics and developments, particularly those, which are likely to have a significant impact on Europe´s demand and supply of mineral raw materials. This approach will take into account political, economic and technological developments, as well as long-term trends on the production side and events, which possibly restrict the supply of or access to raw materials in Europe. Likewise, future developments and political decisions in the EU, which may alter the demand for certain mineral raw materials, will be considered.

Literature:

Website: Minerals4EU