ILUSTRE COLEGIO OFICIAL DE GEOLOGOS

Their core work

ICOG is the official professional association of geologists in Spain, providing geological expertise and professional standards to EU research projects. They contribute domain knowledge in subsurface resource exploration — from mineral deposits and flooded mines to deep geothermal reservoirs. Their role across projects consistently involves bridging geological science with practical applications in raw materials extraction and renewable energy. They also engage in public outreach and social acceptance work related to extractive and geothermal industries.

What they specialise in

How they've shifted over time

In the early period (2015–2018), ICOG focused on foundational geological topics: hydrogeology knowledge mapping, international raw materials cooperation, and technology-heavy exploration using robotics and electrochemistry for deep ore bodies. From 2019 onward, their involvement shifted toward social acceptance, community engagement, and sustainable management of extractive and geothermal industries — alongside continued technical work on extreme-condition geothermal fluids. This evolution shows a clear move from pure technical geology toward the social and regulatory dimensions of resource extraction.

ICOG is increasingly positioned at the intersection of geological expertise and public engagement, making them a strong partner for projects that need to address community concerns around subsurface resource use.

How they like to work

ICOG participates exclusively as a third party — they have never coordinated or been a direct consortium partner in H2020. This suggests they are brought in by lead partners who need professional geological validation or access to Spain's geologist community. With 112 unique partners across 33 countries, they are well-networked but play a supporting rather than driving role in consortia.

ICOG has collaborated with 112 unique partners across 33 countries, giving them an unusually broad European and international network for a professional association. Their reach spans well beyond Spain, connecting them to mining, geothermal, and raw materials research communities across Europe and globally.

What sets them apart

As Spain's official professional body for geologists, ICOG offers something most research organizations cannot: direct access to a national community of practicing geologists and professional credibility in geological matters. Their consistent third-party role across diverse geological projects makes them a low-risk, high-trust addition to any consortium needing geological validation, professional outreach, or connections to the Spanish geology sector. Their growing expertise in social acceptance of extractive industries adds a dimension that purely technical partners often lack.

Highlights from their portfolio

• CHPM2030
  Combines geothermal energy with metal extraction from ultra-deep ore bodies — an unusual cross-domain concept linking energy and mining.
• UNEXMIN
  Developed autonomous underwater robots for exploring flooded mines — a distinctive application of robotics to geological surveying.
• CROWDTHERMAL
  Explored community-based financing and social engagement for geothermal energy — reflecting ICOG's shift toward public engagement in energy transitions.