On 16 and 17 June 2026, the DEXPLORE consortium gathered in Oviedo for two important project milestones: the first Review Meeting, covering the initial 18 months of implementation, and the clustering event “Exploring Together: From Deep Exploration to Responsible Exploitation of Critical Raw Materials”.
The first day (16 June 2026) was dedicated to the DEXPLORE Review Meeting, which provided the consortium with the opportunity to present the main scientific, technological and management achievements delivered during the project’s first reporting period.
The discussions covered progress across the different work packages, including the development and integration of advanced Earth Observation methods, UAV-assisted mineral detection, innovative deep geophysical investigation techniques and digital tools designed to support more efficient and sustainable mineral exploration.
The meeting also enabled the consortium to reflect on the challenges encountered during the first 18 months, assess the project’s progress towards its objectives and discuss the priorities and next steps for the upcoming implementation period.
DEXPLORE would like to thank all consortium partners and their teams for their commitment, professionalism and collaborative work throughout this first phase of the project.
A very special thank you goes to the DEXPLORE Project Officer, Ugo Simeoni, and to the external expert supporting the European Health and Digital Executive Agency, Ermioni Gialiti, for accompanying the consortium throughout both days in Oviedo and for their constructive assessment, insightful feedback and valuable guidance.
Connecting innovation with operational reality
The programme also included a technical visit to MINERSA’s facilities, offering participants the opportunity to connect DEXPLORE’s technological developments with real geological and operational conditions.
The visit highlighted the importance of combining advanced exploration technologies with robust geological knowledge, reliable field data and borehole sampling. These elements remain essential for reducing exploration uncertainty, assessing mineral resources and supporting informed decision-making.
DEXPLORE sincerely thanks MINERSA for welcoming the consortium and sharing its expertise and operational experience.
