On 7 October 2025, the EIS Final Event at Comet Louise (Brussels) brought together experts from geoscience, industry, policy, and innovation to unveil the project’s new digital tools and discuss the future of sustainable mineral exploration in Europe.
Organised by LGI Sustainable Innovation with the support of the coordinator, the Geological Survey of Finland (GTK), and all consortium partners, the event featured a full day of presentations, panel discussions, and networking opportunities for policymakers, cluster representatives, and industry leaders.
Opening & Keynote: Setting the Vision for Europe’s Raw Materials Future
The event opened with welcoming remarks from Hafsa Munia (GTK), Dimitrios Biliouris (HaDEA), and Daniel Cios (DG GROW), followed by a keynote from Rolf Kuby, Director General of Euromines.
They highlighted Europe’s shared responsibility to strengthen its raw materials value chain through collaboration, innovation, and open data.
Presentations available here: Session 01 - Welcome & Keynote presentations
EIS Technical Results: From Concept to Open Tools for Exploration
In the morning’s technical session, Vesa Nykänen (GTK), Tobias Bauer (LTU), Andreas Knobloch (Beak Consultants), and Guillaume Bertrand (BRGM) presented the core outcomes of the project.
They showcased the EIS Toolkit and EIS QGIS Plugin—open-source tools that merge spatial data, mineral systems modelling, and machine learning to support environmentally responsible mineral exploration across Europe.
Presentations available here: Session 02 - Technical Results presentations
Cluster Session: Innovation Through Collaboration
Moderated by Imad Audi (LGI), this session connected EIS with other EU-funded initiatives that are driving innovation in mineral exploration:
- Malcolm Aranha (HZDR–HIF), SEMACRET
- Tony Hand (TalTech), DEXPLORE
- Lucija Dujmović (HZDR–HIF), DeepBEAT
- Juha Kaija (GTK), UNDERCOVER
Speakers highlighted how shared data, tools, and workflows accelerate discovery and reduce environmental impact.
Presentations available here: Session 03 - Cluster Session presentations
Panel Discussion: Mining Regions in Europe
Moderated by Vesa Nykänen (GTK), this panel explored opportunities and challenges for mineral exploration across European regions.
Panelists included:
- Luís Martins, Thematic Smart Specialisation Partnership on Mining (S3P)
- Katarina Nilsson, ETP-SMR
- Julie Hollis, EuroGeoSurveys: GSEU
- Saku Vuori, GTK
The discussion focused on aligning policies, strengthening geospatial data infrastructure, and enhancing collaboration between regional and EU-level initiatives.
Presentations available here: Session 04 - Mining Regions panel presentations
Panel Discussion: Industry Perspectives on Sustainable Exploration
The final panel, moderated by Percy Clark (Quest Critical Metals), turned the spotlight on industry perspectives and collaboration with research.
Speakers shared insights into current challenges, innovation needs, and ways to translate research results into commercial solutions:
- Iana Bacquet, Talga Group
- Thomas Dittrich, Zinnwald Lithium
- Luís Martins, Cluster Portugal Mineral Resources
- Laura Quijano, ISMC Iberia Mine
The discussion underscored the importance of cross-sector cooperation to accelerate the transition to responsible and resilient raw material supply chains.
Presentations available here: Session 05 - Industry Perspectives panel presentations
Closing Remarks: Building on EIS Legacy
In the closing session, Vesa Nykänen and Hafsa Munia (GTK) reflected on the project’s journey, achievements, and next steps.
The EIS Toolkit and QGIS Plugin were recognised as key outcomes that will continue to support Europe’s shift toward data-driven, sustainable mineral exploration. These open tools will remain available to researchers, industry, and policymakers, ensuring that EIS’s legacy continues beyond the project’s lifetime.