MULTIMINER

Multi-source and Multi-scale Earth observation and Novel Machine Learning Methods for Mineral Exploration and Mine Site Monitoring

Project Summary

The Multi-source and Multi-scale Earth observation and Novel Machine Learning Methods for Mineral Exploration and Mine Site Monitoring (MultiMiner) project develops novel data processing algorithms for cost-effective utilization of Earth Observation (EO) technologies for mineral exploration and mine site monitoring.

MultiMiner unlocks the potential of EO data, including Copernicus, commercial satellites, upcoming missions, airborne and low altitude as well as in situ data, to support the entire mining life cycle including mineral exploration, operational, closure and post-closure stages. This is achieved by creating generic but highly innovative machine learning solutions which do not require any or only little ground truth data.

The project focuses on new EO based exploration technologies for critical raw materials (CRM) to increase the probability of finding new sources within EU thereby strengthening the EU autonomy in the area of raw materials. MultiMiner EO based exploration solutions have extremely low environmental impact, and are thus socially acceptable, economically efficient and improve safety. The project’s solutions for mine site monitoring increase the transparency of mining operations as environmental impacts can be detected as early as possible and digital information of the currently unexploitable raw materials can be stored for future generations. The applicability of the developed algorithms is demonstrated in 4 European test sites.

MultiMiner is a pan-European consortium consisting of 12 partners and 1 associated partner from research institutes, academia, consulting businesses and mining industry with interdisciplinary backgrounds in geology, remote sensing and machine learning. The members come from six EU member states which represent mining regions across Europe with diverse geology with evident potential for various types of CRM resources and thousands of operational and closed mines.

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ESF contribution to the Project

ESF leads the work package on Communication, Dissemination and Exploitation, ensuring timely, effective, and informative communication of the project results.

ESF also facilitates exchanges and dialogue with the project stakeholders through local exhibition and project workshop, enhancing the overall impact of the project, increasing public awareness and exploring possibilities for the exploitation of the project outputs with the wider European mining industry and other end-users.

Project Partners

1. Geological Survey Of Finland (GTK)
2. Teknologian Tutkimuskeskus Vtt Oy (VTT)
3. Yara Suomi Oy (Yara)
4. Elliniki Archi Geologikon Kai Metalleftikon Erevnon (HSGME)
5. European Science Foundation (ESF)
6. Ceska Geologicka Sluzba (CGS)
7. Montanuniversitaet Leoben (MUL)
8. Bundesanstalt Fuer Geowissenschaften Und Rohstoffe (BGR)
9. Veitsch-Radex Gmbh & Co Og (RHI)
10. Geologische Bundesanstalt (BGA)
12. Hellas Gold (HG)
13. Eftas Fernerkundung Technologietransfer Gmbh (EFTAS)
14. Technische Universitaet Muenchen (TUM)

Timeline & Funding

  • Project duration: 1 January 2023 - 30 June 2026
  • Call Topic: HORIZON-CL4-2022-RESILIENCE-01
  • Total Funding: 4 443 096 €

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This project has received funding from the European Union's Horizon Europe programme under grant agreement No 101091374