The S34I consortium is pleased to announce its final public conference, titled “Exploring EARTH, Empowering Europe”, taking place on 12 June 2025 in Vigo, Spain. Organised by ISMC (Spain) with the support of the University of Porto as project coordinator, and with the active participation of all partners of the S34I – Smart and Sustainable Solutions for Strategic Raw Materials project, the event will serve as a platform for knowledge exchange, policy dialogue, and innovation showcasing in the field of sustainable mining.
The venue could be no other than the iconic Museo do Mar de Vigo, a symbolic setting that reflects the project’s commitment to sustainability, heritage, and scientific collaboration.
The event will be held in hybrid format, with live streaming available for remote attendees. However, in-person participation is strongly recommended in order to benefit fully from the networking opportunities, stakeholder interaction, and informal exchanges that only a face-to-face environment can offer.
A Key Forum for Science, Policy, and Industry
Morning Session: Unlocking the Future of Exploration
The day opens with a session dedicated to the outcomes of the S34I project and knowledge transfer activities, led by UPORTO (University of Porto). This will be followed by a clustering session featuring presentations from European projects at the forefront of innovation:
- Dexplore – Catalina Hernández-Moreno, ISMC
- GAIA TSF – Louis Andreani, Cybele Space
- Terravision – Valantis Tsiakos, ICCS
- EMODnet Geology / GSEU – Francisco Javier González, IGME
- GoldenRAM – Marko Savolainen, VTT
- Undercover – Luis Martins, ACPMR
A roundtable discussion will then explore the question: Is innovation enough to achieve Europe’s independence in raw materials? The debate will feature experts from S34I and invited EU projects, addressing technological, environmental, and strategic challenges.
High-Level Insights: The Stakeholder Imperative
The afternoon session, titled “The Stakeholder Imperative: Different Perspectives on a Shared Mining Future”, will bring together leading voices in policy, industry, academia, and technology.
Keynote Address
Dr Arnoldus M. van der Hurk, an international expert in critical raw materials, geopolitics, and sustainable development, will provide a strategic overview of Europe’s resource dependencies and innovation pathways.
Elevator Pitches from Distinguished Speakers:
- Gerardo Herrera, DG GROW, European Commission – “Strategic Autonomy & the Critical Raw Materials Act: The EU’s Vision in Action”
- Patricia Ferrer, CFO, Atalaya Mining – “Atalaya Mining: A Business Perspective on Sustainable Mining”
- Arantxa Prado Santiago, General Director, Official Mining Chamber of Galicia – “Regulatory and Institutional Challenges in the Mining Sector”
- Prof. Dr Luis Miguel Varela, University of Santiago de Compostela – “Geoscience Research and Its Role in Responsible Mining”
- Álvaro Silva Teira, CEO, AIMEN – “Technology Transfer and Innovation for a Sustainable Mining Future”
The session will conclude with a roundtable discussion on “Sustainability in Mining: Balancing Innovation, Social Responsibility and Long-term Solutions”, featuring the keynote speaker and key stakeholders.
Why Attend?
This conference offers a unique opportunity to:
- Gain exclusive insights into Europe’s strategic raw materials initiatives
- Engage with leading policymakers, researchers, and industry figures
- Explore the outcomes and legacy of the S34I project
- Foster dialogue around sustainable and responsible mining practices
- Build meaningful professional connections through face-to-face networking
Participation is free, but registration is required.
Don’t forget to save the date in your calendar! We look forward to seeing you—either in Vigo or online.
