On 17 June 2026, the DEXPLORE, a MINEYE synergistic project, will host its second clustering event, “Exploring Together: From Deep Exploration to Responsible Exploitation of Critical Raw Materials”, at the University of Oviedo, Faculty of Geology (Oviedo, Asturias).
Organised in collaboration with MINERSA and TerraDat Geophysics S.L., the event will bring together European projects, industry representatives, policymakers, and regional stakeholders working across the critical raw materials (CRM) value chain.
As Europe advances towards a more resilient and sustainable supply of critical raw materials, DEXPLORE is contributing with a new generation of deep-land exploration solutions that combine:
- Advanced mineral system modelling
- Earth Observation-based surface exploration
- Innovative deep geophysical techniques
These approaches are being validated through calibration pilots in Spain, including the Asturian fluorite deposits operated by MINERSA, as well as a final in-field pilot in Estonia.
Hosting this event in Oviedo provides a unique opportunity to connect high-level discussions with real industrial application. The Asturian pilot site serves as a living laboratory where advanced exploration technologies and data integration approaches are tested in operational conditions, showcasing how innovation can support responsible and socially accepted mining in Europe.
The event will follow a structured agenda combining strategic discussions, technical insights, and collaborative sessions. The day will begin with an institutional opening featuring (i) Welcome and objectives by ICAMCyL and ISMC representatives, (ii) Opening remarks from the European Commission, (iii) Insights on Asturias as a mining and innovation region, and (iv) A keynote on European pathways and barriers from exploration to exploitation. This will be followed by two thematic sessions: (i) Pilots and projects on the path from exploration to exploitation and (ii) Digital platforms and social licence for responsible exploitation.
Building on previous clustering activities, this second event aims to move decisively from discussion to implementation by:
- Reviewing synergies and gaps identified across CRM projects
- Defining concrete joint actions, including shared datasets and coordinated policy contributions
- Strengthening collaboration on training, stakeholder engagement, and digital platforms
- Advancing interoperability, visualisation, and digital twin approaches
