Description
In most of the maps that describe the different actions related to Critical Raw Materials in EU, a member state Estonia is usually shown with pure white color. Our side-event will meet the missing data challenge. We will share light on potential of Estonia's critical mineral resources and introduce the developments in recent years. We will focus on studies related to EU critical mineral resources and talk about the plans of only five years old Geological Survey of Estonia (EGT). Our dear co-operation partner Geological Survey of Finland will present the outlook on the mineral potential of the Fennoscandian Shield and Neo Performance Materials will present a factory in Estonia with a unique REE competence in Europe.
Schedule
Opening the event - Maive Rute, Deputy Director-General DG Grow; Sirli Sipp Kulli, Director, EGT.
Mineral Policy of Estonia – Margus Raha, Ministry of Economic Affairs
Exploration of Estonian phosphorite Resources – Lauri Joosu, EGT
North-east Estonia has one of the biggest phosphorite deposits in the EU. Estonian phosphorite and black shale have extensively been explored in the second half of the 20th century until stopped in 1989 due to strong public opposition and political turbulence. In recent years The Geological Survey of Estonia has restarted the exploration of phosphorite resources.
Metalliferous black shale associated with Estonian phosphorite – Johannes Vind, EGT
Estonian black shale, geologically an extension of Swedish Alum Shale, is situated immediately above phosphorite seam. It contains elevated amounts of vanadium and other commodity metals. It is yet to be demonstrated whether this shale could be monetized as a by-product of phosphorite, or it is an environmental challenge requiring additional investments.
Exploration Potential of the Crystalline Basement of Estonia, First Test Holes – Siim Nirgi, EGT
The crystalline basement of Estonia was last explored for resources in the 1980s. The list of raw materials needed for the industry has expanded during the long gap in exploration. Hence, EGT has now started to investigate the exploration potential of the crystalline basement. In 2019 and 2020, two test holes were drilled in the area of Jõhvi Magnetic Anomaly, NE Estonia, in order to assess the exploration potential of the iron ore occurrence.
Brief outlook on the mineral potential of the Fennoscandian Shield - Asko Käpyaho, GTK
Developing one of most strategic asset formations in the rare earth supply industry in Estonia – Vasileos Tsianos, Neo Performance Materials
Closing remarks – Sirli Sipp Kulli
About the Geological Survey of Estonia
The yearbooks of the Geological Survey present an overview of the annual activities of our institution and people.
