The Register of primary and secondary raw material sources for the Western Balkan region is the most important result of the "Reseerve" project from the EIT RM Program (2018-2021). Mineral resources are of strategic importance for the self- sufficiency of Europe. Access to organised Europe wide dataset of primary and secondary mineral resources provides a pan-European information Network on mineral Resources ("Pan-European Minerals Intelligence Network"). Most of EU countries are involved in this network, while the countries of the West Balkan area represent a gap in existing data platforms. That is why the establishment of a register of primary and secondary mineral resources of Southern and Southeast Europe is of such an importance. The European Commission recognised the area of Southeast Europe (Western Balkans) as one of the most important regions that could significantly contribute to reducing dependence on non-European sources. This area, most of which is not yet part of the EU, is rich in both primary mineral resources, as well as secondary mineral resources, which represent remains of past or present mining and metallurgical processing of excavated ore. Important copper, lead, zinc, chromium, iron, nickel and antimony deposits are situated in this area. Mining and metallurgical waste rock sites still hold millions of tons of waste rocks, which contain high concentrations of useful elements, including critical raw materials. The latter will be able to be use in modern technologies as a new source of mineral raw materials. By mapping and standardising data, according to the Inspire directive, we are establishing a Register, which will bring natural resources of the Western Balkans closer to the global market and increase investments in the mining and manufacturing sector of this part of Europe. This will contribute to reducing Europe's dependence on imports.
F.15 Development of a new information system/databases
Two popular-scientific TV shows in the frame of “Bite the science” show, produced and broadcasted on national television RTVSLO. First show, which was dedicated to underwater mining and underwater mineral exploration presented the state-of-the-art techniques and challenges in development of new approaches was broadcasted 18.10.2018. These new techniques have the opportunity to revitalize already exploited or abandoned mineral deposits in the future. Two related international projects, where GeoZS participated as a project partner, were described – iVAMOS! developed remotely controlled mining system for exploitation of flooded open pits and UNEXMIN within which an autonomous robot for exploration of flooded underground mines was developed. TC crew also shot a testing of UNEXMIN robot prototype in abandoned Hg mine in Idrija, Slovenia. TW show is accessible on: https://4d.rtvslo.si/arhiv/ugriznimo-znanost/174569559. A second “Bite the Science” TV show was titled “What is in our dust?” and broadcasted on 17.10.2019. TV show described geochemical properties of urban dusts and their impacts on environment and health. The main focus was on currently ongoing research of street dust, house dust and solid particles collected from snow deposits underpinned with previously accomplished attic dust researches. TV crew shot the sampling procedure for house and street dust, sieving of the dust in the laboratory and sample inspection under electron microscope. Alongside methodological descriptions, also preliminary results of detected elemental anomalies were presented. Images of the most characteristic particles found in urban and industrial environment together with their elemental composition were also shown. Described information enables an easier understanding of the air pollution behavior by general public, especially in connection with PM10 news which are frequently published in everyday media, since urban dust are source of PM10 particles as well as their sink. The show is available on: https://4d.rtvslo.si/arhiv/ugriznimo-znanost/174645092.
F.35 Other
COBISS.SI-ID: 2966357Members of the research group organised a scientific conference with a very interesting and relevant topic - the use of robotics and automation for mineral prospecting and extraction. 88 experts and representatives from the industry and decision-making bodies from various European countries participated. 19 contributions were presented, with the emphasis on the results from three European projects from that field (members of the program group participated in two of them). Two workshops were held, one was from the topic of appropriate exploitation of such technologies, and the second one was dedicated to research roadmapping. As part of the conference an excursion was organised to the UNESCO world heritage site of Idrija mercury mine and smelter. A book of abstracts with the excursion field guide can be found on the following link: http://www.geo-zs.si/PDF/Monografije/Conference_Bled_Proceedings_RD.pdf.
B.01 Organiser of a scientific meeting
COBISS.SI-ID: 293345024Members of the Program Mineral Resources were excursion leaders and authors of three field trip guide contributions for the 5th Slovenian Geological Congress in Velenje in October 2018. The main topics were as follows, E-1 entitled: The Velenje lignite – its geological uniqueness and the role in Slovenia's energy supply. The three contributions and trips were: E-1a – Velenje Lignite Mine with presentation of geology lignite petrology and mining; E-2b – Electric Power Plant Šoštanj – presentation of its role in energy supply and organisation of guiding; E-1c – Consequences of underground lignite mining on the surface - description in the guide book and organisation of the field trip in cooperation with Velenje environmental institute ERICo.
B.01 Organiser of a scientific meeting
COBISS.SI-ID: 296673280