Periodic Reporting for period 2 - S34I (SECURE AND SUSTAINABLE SUPPLY OF RAW MATERIALS FOR EU INDUSTRY)
Reporting period: 2024-07-01 to 2025-06-30
S34I researched and innovated new data-driven methods to analyze 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 used EO data not only for the management of technical and environmental issues for a green transition but also to support mining's public awareness and better legislation. Innovative EO-based products/services provided new or more accurate RM mineral mapping/exploration, environmental and mine monitoring and mine safety, at different phases of the mine life cycle. S34I exploited Copernicus and other satellite sensors (optical and radar), while other platforms, such as airborne, low altitude platforms, ground-based, in-situ techniques/methods, and fieldwork, served either for calibration, validation, or to complement Copernicus data, especially at the very high scale spatial or spectral resolution. S34I results were validated at six different locations in different phases of the mining life-cycle: land exploration in Spain; coastal exploration at the Iberian Peninsula Atlantic coast; extraction phase in Austria; and closure/post-closure phase in Finland and Germany.
Under Scientific-Technical Objectives, the project focused on developing and prototyping innovative Earth Observation (EO) data analysis methods to support different stages of the mining life cycle. The project delivered 20 new or updated methods—significantly surpassing the 14 methods originally planned—and successfully prototyped nine EO-based services along with 22 tailored products, compared to the 3 initially foreseen.
Also, the project generated high-value open datasets addressing hazardous mining sites and raw material deposits. A total of 50 new datasets were produced across six pilot sites, far exceeding the planned range of 6 to 13. These datasets were made openly available in long-term repositories, ensuring their future use in research. Scientific publications based on these results are currently underway and are being tracked through dissemination and exploitation indicators.
The Economic Objectives aimed to demonstrate the feasibility and added value of these new non-invasive EO-based methods and services in real mining contexts. Validation activities, as detailed in Deliverable D5.2 (May 2025), confirmed both their technical feasibility and economic benefits. The methods proved highly effective, for example, in the accurate detection of Acid Mine Drainage (AMD), successful deposit mapping, and reliable monitoring of ground instabilities. Beyond technical performance, the results also showed tangible impacts, including cost reductions, improvements in environmental outcomes, and enhanced stakeholder engagement. The validation phase highlighted the need for future efforts to focus on scaling these solutions, refining AI models, and strengthening cross-sector collaboration to ensure sustainable mining practices.
The Societal-Policy objectives addressed the broader perception of mining, sustainability, and digitalisation, sought to improve how mining is perceived among society, industry, policymakers, and activists. Through the contributions of WP6, supported by WP2 and WP5, the project engaged in communication, dissemination, and stakeholder outreach, validated by Deliverable D6.2 (June 2025). These activities helped raise public awareness of non-invasive mining technologies and fostered greater collaboration between stakeholders. This objective also focused on promoting sustainability and digitalisation best practices, with an emphasis on workforce upskilling, greening the mining sector, and informing new science-based policies. Two community workshops, held in Ljubljana (October 2024) and Vigo (June 2025), supported these objectives by sharing experiences, stimulating interregional collaboration, and strengthening digital expertise among stakeholders. WP2 further provided recommendations for systematic technology use and policy updates in EO and remote sensing for the extractive sector. Deliverables D2.1 D6.2 and D6.4 confirmed progress against key indicators related to digitalisation, the green transition, raw materials supply, sustainability, and capacity building.
Also, the project generated high-value open datasets addressing hazardous mining sites and raw material deposits. A total of 50 new datasets were produced across six pilot sites, far exceeding the planned range of 6 to 13. These datasets were made openly available in long-term repositories, ensuring their future use in research. Scientific publications based on these results are currently underway and are being tracked through dissemination and exploitation indicators.
The Economic Objectives aimed to demonstrate the feasibility and added value of these new non-invasive EO-based methods and services in real mining contexts. Validation activities, as detailed in Deliverable D5.2 (May 2025), confirmed both their technical feasibility and economic benefits. The methods proved highly effective, for example, in the accurate detection of Acid Mine Drainage (AMD), successful deposit mapping, and reliable monitoring of ground instabilities. Beyond technical performance, the results also showed tangible impacts, including cost reductions, improvements in environmental outcomes, and enhanced stakeholder engagement. The validation phase highlighted the need for future efforts to focus on scaling these solutions, refining AI models, and strengthening cross-sector collaboration to ensure sustainable mining practices.
The Societal-Policy objectives addressed the broader perception of mining, sustainability, and digitalisation, sought to improve how mining is perceived among society, industry, policymakers, and activists. Through the contributions of WP6, supported by WP2 and WP5, the project engaged in communication, dissemination, and stakeholder outreach, validated by Deliverable D6.2 (June 2025). These activities helped raise public awareness of non-invasive mining technologies and fostered greater collaboration between stakeholders. This objective also focused on promoting sustainability and digitalisation best practices, with an emphasis on workforce upskilling, greening the mining sector, and informing new science-based policies. Two community workshops, held in Ljubljana (October 2024) and Vigo (June 2025), supported these objectives by sharing experiences, stimulating interregional collaboration, and strengthening digital expertise among stakeholders. WP2 further provided recommendations for systematic technology use and policy updates in EO and remote sensing for the extractive sector. Deliverables D2.1 D6.2 and D6.4 confirmed progress against key indicators related to digitalisation, the green transition, raw materials supply, sustainability, and capacity building.
S34I developed innovative multi-method and multi-scale approach, with AI, for land Co exploration. It integrated airborne hyperspectral data with LiDAR for lithological/alteration mapping. It explored the connection between land/seashore using multi/hyperspectral EO data aided by a new Underwater Hyperspectral Imaging (UHI) system.
New spectral libraries were generated for Co-Cu-Ni mineralization and seabed materials at shallow waters.
The project also created new stockpile/mining waste volume estimation methods, leveraging super resolution techniques time series. S34I integrated EO data and UAV imagery for mapping acid mine drainage (AMD) in water bodies through an AI-based approach.
To ensure the further uptake and success of the S34I innovations, several key needs can be addressed. Continued research and demonstration are required to validate AI-driven methods, expand spectral libraries, and test the methods across diverse environments. Access to markets and dedicated financing will be essential for scaling from prototypes to operational services, supported by clear strategies for commercialisation and IPR management. In parallel, establishing regulatory and standardisation frameworks for EO and hyperspectral data will enhance interoperability and ensure ethical, transparent use. Strengthening international collaborations and aligning with global raw materials strategies will foster broader adoption, while targeted training and awareness-raising will equip industry, authorities, and society to fully benefit from these technologies.
New spectral libraries were generated for Co-Cu-Ni mineralization and seabed materials at shallow waters.
The project also created new stockpile/mining waste volume estimation methods, leveraging super resolution techniques time series. S34I integrated EO data and UAV imagery for mapping acid mine drainage (AMD) in water bodies through an AI-based approach.
To ensure the further uptake and success of the S34I innovations, several key needs can be addressed. Continued research and demonstration are required to validate AI-driven methods, expand spectral libraries, and test the methods across diverse environments. Access to markets and dedicated financing will be essential for scaling from prototypes to operational services, supported by clear strategies for commercialisation and IPR management. In parallel, establishing regulatory and standardisation frameworks for EO and hyperspectral data will enhance interoperability and ensure ethical, transparent use. Strengthening international collaborations and aligning with global raw materials strategies will foster broader adoption, while targeted training and awareness-raising will equip industry, authorities, and society to fully benefit from these technologies.