| | | GeoNews - EFG's monthly newsletter | | | | | | | |
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| | | The EU institutions are back in full swing following the summer break. Below, you will find a brief news digest with the most relevant updates for our profession.
On 9 September, Mario Draghi presented his long-awaited report on Europe’s competitiveness. The findings are expected to shape upcoming EU policy initiatives, including the Clean Industrial Deal for competitive industries and quality jobs. This policy is set to be introduced in the first 100 days of the new European Commission’s mandate.
On 17 September, Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced the list of Commissioners-designate and their portfolios, reflecting the ambitions set out in the Political Guidelines. This autumn, Commissioners-designate will present themselves in public hearings at the European Parliament.
Science Business reports on the policy agenda for EU Research and Innovation over the coming months.
On 11 September, the European Commission has published its State of the Energy Union Report 2024.
The European Commission also has an open call for nominations of scientists to be shortlisted for future membership of the Group of Chief Scientific Advisors (GCSA). The group provides high-quality, timely and independent scientific advice to the College of European Commissioners on any subject, including on policy issues that the European Parliament and the Council consider to be of major importance. The deadline for nominations is 30 September.
You will find more policy news in our Panels of Experts sections here below. Enjoy the reading! | | | | | | | |
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| | | New coordinator for EFG Panel of Experts on Minerals: Panagiotis Zachariadis | | | | | | | |
| EFG has appointed Panagiotis Zachariadis as the new coordinator for the Panel of Experts on Minerals, succeeding Markku Iljina, who recently resigned. EFG thanks Markku Iljina for his longstanding commitment and dedicated efforts.
Panagiotis shares the vision that responsible and sustainable management of raw materials—from mining to processing to reuse—is crucial for the EU. He sees this as essential for securing Europe's position amid growing geopolitical challenges and laying a foundation for future strategic planning. | | | | | |
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| | | 5th IPGC: Propose a session or side-events | | | | | | | |
| | | The 5th International Professional Geology Conference (IPGC) is inviting you to propose sessions, workshops, training or other side events. Join us in Zaragoza, Spain, from November 5-7, 2025, to share your expertise and insights. Submit your proposal and be part of this exciting event!
Key Dates:
- Proposal Submission Deadline: November 30, 2024
- Notification of Acceptance: December 20, 2024 Important note: Early applications are encouraged and applications will be processed upon receipt. Slots may be assigned to selected proposals before the deadline.
For more details and to submit your proposal, visit: https://www.5th-ipgc.com/proposals/ | | | | | | | |
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| | | Take your career to the next level with our group coaching offering | | | | | | | |
| | | Coaching is more than just learning new skills – it's about growth and unlocking your full potential. For geologists, coaching enhances soft skills like leadership, communication, and problem-solving, making it easier to navigate professional challenges and thrive in your career. Want to learn more about how coaching can benefit you? Join the EFG Academy’s coaching program today! When: October 17, 24, 31, November 7, 14, 21 - from 9:00 to 11:30 CET
Where: Online
Coaches: Esther Bloem, Lucia Levato, and Gwenola Michaud
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| | | EFG President David Govoni attends Meggen Raw Materials Days | | | | | | | |
| EFG President David Govoni participated in the 10th Meggen Raw Materials Days, held from 11-12 September 2024 at Galileo Park, Lennestadt-Meggen, Germany. The event brought together experts from across the mineral resources sector to discuss critical topics like geopolitics in raw materials supply and new developments in the mining industry. Over the course of the two days, the vital role of professional geologists was a central theme. David Govoni had the opportunity to meet with German European Geologist title holders and BDG President Christoph Hilgers to discuss the profession’s future. | | | | | |
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| | | EFG presence at the 37th IGC | | | | | | | |
| | | It is our pleasure to announce that former EFG president Marko Komac has been elected as Vice-President of the International Union of Geological Sciences (IUGS) at the 37th IGC in Busan, Korea.
Marko Komac thanks all the national association members of the EFG for their support and trust.
Congratulations, Marko!
EFG, as a member of the International Raw Materials Observatory, was also represented at the booth of the American Geosciences Institute. Thanks to INTRAW & AGI for this opportunity!
Last but not least, the 37th IGC also offered the opportunity to present our EU-funded projects CEEGS and CRM-geothermal in the event's technical sessions. | | | | |
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| | | Pavlos Tyrologou represents EFG at Remtech Europe | | | | | | | |
| | | EFG External Relations Officer Pavlos Tyrologou expertly represented EFG at this year’s edition of Remtech Europe in Ferrara.
Remtech Europe is a premier event where science meets practical application in the field of soil and water remediation. It serves as a global networking platform, bringing together scientists and professionals worldwide to share their expertise and advance collective understanding. More than just a conference, Remtech Europe fosters the establishment of long-lasting channels for communication and collaboration, ensuring ongoing interaction within the remediation community. The European Federation of Geologists (EFG) actively supports and endorses the event, amplifying its impact through its extensive presence and utilising its communication and dissemination networks to extend the reach of Remtech Europe's outcomes for months to come. Pavlos Tyrologou was able to actively demonstrate EFG’s support by participating in an on-site interview, which was broadcasted across Italian media channels. | | | | | | | |
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| | | The first-ever Kosovo Mining Forum will be held on 9 October. Organiser and European Geologist title holder Mentor Demi from the Kosovo Chamber of Mines invites the EFG community to attend. In case you are interested in speaking opportunities, please reach out to the organisers via the event website. | | | | |
| | | Call for feedback on draft JORC Code | | | | | | | |
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| | | | | | | Consultation event | | | | The CRM-geothermal project team, including local developers Geothermal Engineering Ltd (GEL) and Cornish Lithium and responsible mining consultancy Levin Sources, invite you to participate in a consultation event in Redruth, Cornwall, on 9 October. | | | | | | | | |
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| | | CRM-geothermal video contest: The winners are... | | | | | | | |
| | | The CRM-geothermal project announces the winners of its video contest for teenagers. The contest attracted an incredible array of talent and creativity, highlighting the importance of geothermal energy and critical raw materials through engaging videos. The EFG National Associations participating in the project as Affiliated Entities played a major role in promoting the contest in schools. Out of the video submissions received, the jury selected 5 finalists. Following a public vote on social media, the three winners have been awarded: ?? "A Hope for Our Future" - Aurora Zaffino ?? "How Geothermal Solves the CRM Climate Crisis" - Tom Knight ?? "Geology with George" - Mari Symonds & Kayleigh Sandeman Discover the videos! | | | | | | | |
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| | | EFG Academy: Environmental Geochemistry for the Mine Project Life Cycle | | | | | | | |
| | | The EFG Academy is excited to present a new workshop: “Environmental Geochemistry for the Mine Project Life Cycle”. It will be held on consecutive Tuesdays over 4 weeks, starting on Tuesday 1st October, 15:00 – 17:00 CEST (8 hours total time). This online workshop will be presented by Dr. Tom Meuzelaar and is perfect for geologists, environmental scientists, geochemists, and mine professionals. | | | | | | | |
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| | | EFG Academy: Natural Hydrogen Masterclass | | | | | | | |
| | | Ready to deepen your understanding of natural hydrogen exploration? Our upcoming course "Where and why H2 accumulation could be prospected?" offers a comprehensive overview of H2 generation in the subsurface, the global landscape of exploration, and the factors that influence H2 accumulation. Ideal for geologists, energy professionals, and researchers, this course is your gateway to mastering this innovative field. Join us online on October 9th, 12:00-14:00 CEST — register soon to secure your spot!
This course is organised as part of our media partnership with the H-Nat Summit. Note that our audience can register for the H-NAT conference with a 20% discount with the dedicated discount code: HNAT24EFG | | | | | | | |
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| | | | | | | Geoheritage | | | | With the third International Geodiversity Day approaching on Sunday, 6 October, the organisers invite you to plan an event for this year's edition and share it online via the official website. This year’s theme will be "Conserving the Past: Sustaining the Future". The Second 100 IUGS Geological Heritage Sites have been officially announced at the 37th IGC in South Korea. | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | Hydrogeology | | | | The European Commission has adopted new measures under the REACH Regulation, the EU chemicals legislation, to protect human health and the environment by restricting the use of undecafluorohexanoic acid (‘PFHxA') and PFHxA -related substances. | | | | | | | | |