The UNDERCOVER project has officially set things in motion! On February 2025, project partners gathered in Kuusamo, North Finland, to launch what promises to be an ambitious and impactful three-year research journey into the future of deep Earth exploration.
Hosted by the Geological Survey of Finland (GTK), the kick-off meeting was an opportunity for the project’s 16 partners — representing research institutes, industry leaders, and exploration companies — to connect in person, outline their shared ambitions, and define a roadmap for smooth collaboration in the months and years ahead.
What is UNDERCOVER All About?
Funded by Horizon Europe, the UNDERCOVER project is set to explore how non-invasive, cutting-edge technologies can revolutionise Deep Earth Exploration. As Europe — and the world — faces growing demand for critical minerals essential to the green and digital transitions, traditional surface mining is no longer enough. Most accessible resources have already been exploited, pushing exploration to greater depths.
But deeper exploration comes with significant technical, financial, and environmental challenges. That’s where UNDERCOVER steps in: by developing and integrating innovative, environmentally responsible exploration methods that allow us to locate untapped mineral resources beneath complex cover sequences without extensive drilling.
Setting the Foundation for a Fruitful Journey
During the two-day meeting, partners exchanged ideas, aligned on objectives, and mapped out the next steps for each work package. Discussions also focused on setting clear frameworks for remote collaboration and stakeholder engagement, ensuring that communication stays seamless even across multiple countries and disciplines.
This collaborative spirit is at the core of UNDERCOVER’s mission: not just to advance technology, but to foster responsible exploration practices that contribute to Europe’s strategic autonomy in securing its mineral resources — all while minimising environmental impacts and engaging with local communities.
Stay Connected with UNDERCOVER
The KOM marks the start of a promising adventure, and we’ll be sharing updates along the way! To keep up with project milestones, upcoming events, and insights into the cutting-edge technologies we’re developing:
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And let’s the UNDERCOVER journey begin!