Integrating Mineral System Modelling and Mineral Prospectivity Mapping with Open-Source Tools: Insights from the EIS Horizon Europe Project

The Exploration Information System (EIS) is an initiative focused on advancing mineral systems modelling and mineral prospectivity mapping through open-source tools. This 36-month project is a collaboration among 17 partners across six EU member states and beyond, integrating expertise from academia, research institutes, industry, and service providers. The EIS project is funded by the European Union’s Horizon 2020 Europe research and innovation program under grant agreement no. 1010557357.

EIS addresses the EU’s need for critical raw materials (CRMs) by developing innovative data analysis and modelling tools. Central to the project are the "EIS Toolkit" and "EIS QGIS Wizard," open-source platforms designed to enhance exploration efficiency, reduce environmental footprints, and strengthen sustainable resource management. These tools leverage advanced methodologies, including machine learning and artificial intelligence, to refine prospectivity analysis and predictive mapping across diverse mineral systems, such as VMS (Volcanogenic Massive Sulphide), granite-related lithium-tin-tantalum-tungsten, and IOCG (Iron Oxide Copper-Gold).

This presentation will showcase the EIS project’s objectives, methodologies, and key achievements, such as the development of the mineral systems library, software tools and selected case studies. Furthermore, it will discuss the project’s contributions to the EU’s Critical Raw Materials Act goals, emphasizing cross-sector collaboration and open-access innovation. By aligning research, industry, and societal goals, EIS demonstrates how EU-funded projects can foster sustainability, economic resilience, and resource efficiency in the raw materials sector.