DEXPLORE Recognizing European potential for hosting deep land primary CRM by combining new mineral models and advanced exploration and visualization techniques
DEXPLORE seeks to address Europe’s reliance on critical and strategic materials (CRM and SRM) from non-EU countries by delivering a comprehensive suite of mineral exploration technologies aiming to improve Europe’s understanding of its potential to host deep CRM and SRM deposits—key resources essential for the decarbonisation of the economy.
Focusing on essential materials within extensive geological terrains, such as metamorphic and crystalline rocks, DEXPLORE introduces a holistic innovation package beginning at the surface by integrating cutting-edge geochemical and optical techniques, UAV-assisted in-field mineral detection, and advanced Earth Observation methods, while extending into the subsurface with novel deep-land geophysical techniques capable of exploring depths of at least 600 meters.
The project features three pilot zones in Spain and Estonia, where the ultimate objective is to develop updated ore models using this integrated surface-to-subsurface exploration package. DEXPLORE package is completed with an advanced extended reality (XR) visualization platform able to integrate geological, remote sensing, and geophysical data to improve access to critical information on Europe’s raw material potential. By doing so, it accelerates decision-making processes among technical experts while raising public awareness of the importance of domestic resources in driving the green transition.
Additionally, DEXPLORE aims to strengthen international cooperation by fostering collaboration with strategic partner countries and aligning with other EU initiatives. This includes joint activities and the sharing of results to maximize impact.
In summary, DEXPLORE represents a collaborative effort to advance deep-land mineral exploration, promote sustainable sourcing of critical raw materials, and support Europe’s open strategic autonomy towards carbon neutrality.
