ELLINIKI ARCHI GEOLOGIKON KAI METALLEFTIKON EREVNON

Their core work

The Hellenic Authority of Geology and Mining Research (EAGME, formerly IGME Greece) is Greece's national geological survey, responsible for mapping the country's mineral resources, groundwater systems, and geohazards including volcanic activity. They provide authoritative geoscientific data for land-use planning, mineral extraction policy, and environmental monitoring across Greece. In EU projects, they contribute geological expertise, field data, and national-level mineral resource assessments — particularly on raw materials sustainability, volcanic monitoring, and earth observation applications.

What they specialise in

How they've shifted over time

In their early H2020 participation (2015–2017), EAGME focused on foundational geological survey work — building pan-European geoscience platforms (GeoERA), contributing to research infrastructure (EPOS IP), and supporting mineral land-use policy (Minland). From 2018 onward, their focus broadened into applied domains: volcanic monitoring infrastructure (EUROVOLC), earth observation applications (e-shape), and notably, industrial mineral processing with environmental targets (AlSiCal). This shift suggests a move from pure geological data provision toward more applied, sustainability-oriented research with direct industrial relevance.

EAGME is evolving from a traditional geological data provider toward applied sustainability research, particularly in green mineral processing and earth observation — making them increasingly relevant for circular economy and critical raw materials consortia.

How they like to work

EAGME never coordinated an H2020 project, consistently participating as a partner or third party with modest budgets (average EUR 53K). Their 218 unique consortium partners across 43 countries indicate they operate within very large, infrastructure-type consortia rather than leading focused research teams. This profile is typical of national geological surveys — they bring authoritative national data and domain expertise rather than driving project direction, making them reliable contributors who integrate well into large multi-country networks.

With 218 unique partners across 43 countries, EAGME has an exceptionally wide network for its project count — a result of participating in large pan-European infrastructure and coordination projects. Their reach spans well beyond Europe into global earth observation and geological survey networks.

What sets them apart

As Greece's national geological authority, EAGME offers something no university or private company can: authoritative, government-backed geological data and mineral resource assessments for the entire Greek territory. Greece is rich in bauxite, magnesite, and other critical raw materials, making EAGME a key partner for any consortium needing Mediterranean geological data or Greek mineral expertise. Their dual competence in subsurface resources and volcanic geohazards (Greece hosts some of Europe's most active volcanic systems) is a rare combination.

Highlights from their portfolio

• AlSiCal
  Their largest-funded project (EUR 105,000), targeting zero-waste bauxite processing — directly relevant to Greece's significant bauxite reserves and the EU critical raw materials agenda.
• GeoERA
  A flagship coordination action (EUR 81,304) that united European geological surveys into a common research area, positioning EAGME within the core network of national geological services.
• EUROVOLC
  Provided trans-national access to volcano observatories across Europe — relevant given Greece's active volcanic systems (Santorini, Nisyros) and EAGME's monitoring responsibilities.