The DEXPLORE project participated in the European Geosciences Union General Assembly 2026, held in Vienna from 3 to 8 May.
As one of the leading international events in Earth, planetary and space sciences, the EGU General Assembly provided an important opportunity to present the latest scientific progress achieved within DEXPLORE and exchange knowledge with the wider geoscience community.
Through two scientific contributions, project partners presented complementary approaches to the exploration of deep-seated critical raw materials, combining geological, geochemical, geostatistical and geophysical methods.
Optimising passive seismic methods for deep exploration
DEXPLORE was also represented in the session SM6.3 – “Passive seismic methods for subsurface imaging applied to the energy transition” through the contribution:
The study, developed by TerraDat Geophysics, Minersa and the University of Oviedo, presented the results of a passive seismic field test conducted at the Villabona fluorite deposit, in Asturias, northern Spain.
The work focused on optimising data acquisition and processing parameters to improve the imaging of deep geological structures using ambient seismic noise.
The results demonstrate the potential of passive seismic techniques as a non-invasive and cost-effective method for characterising complex subsurface structures.
Further surveys are planned at the Villabona pilot site and in other DEXPLORE pilot areas in Spain and Estonia. These activities will help validate the methodology under different geological conditions and further assess its potential for deep mineral exploration.
Exploring the critical raw material potential of the Estonian basement
Within the session ERE4.1 – “Mining for tomorrow: new technological and analytical advances in mineral exploration and production”, Juan David Solano Acosta, from Tallinn University of Technology (TalTech), presented the contribution:
Developed by researchers from TalTech and the Geological Survey of Estonia, the study combines geochemical, geostatistical and geophysical information to improve understanding of the mineral systems located within the northeastern Estonian basement.
The research provides an updated metallogenic framework for the area and contributes to identifying new potential exploration targets for critical raw materials.
Strengthening DEXPLORE’s scientific impact
Participation in EGU 2026 offered the consortium a valuable platform to disseminate its scientific results, strengthen collaboration among project partners and engage with international researchers working on innovative mineral exploration technologies.
The conference also provided an opportunity to discuss how non-invasive exploration methods and the integration of multidisciplinary datasets can support the identification and characterisation of deep-seated mineral resources.
By combining geological knowledge with advanced geochemical and geophysical techniques, DEXPLORE continues to contribute to the development of more efficient and sustainable exploration strategies.
These advances support Europe’s efforts to improve knowledge of its geological resources and strengthen the responsible and secure supply of critical raw materials.
