HZDR / HIF

Who we are

The Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR) is an independent German research center in the field of energy, health, and matter. We focus on answering the following questions:

• How can energy and resources be utilized in an efficient, safe, and sustainable way?
• How can malignant tumors be more precisely visualized, characterized, and more effectively treated?
• How do matter and materials behave under the influence of strong fields and in smallest dimensions?

To address these challenges, HZDR operates large-scale research facilities that are also accessible to visiting researchers, including the Ion Beam Center, the Dresden High Magnetic Field Laboratory, and the ELBE Center for High-Power Radiation Sources.

HZDR is a member of the Helmholtz Association and has six sites (Dresden, Freiberg, Görlitz, Grenoble, Leipzig, Schenefeld near Hamburg) with almost 1,500 members of staff, of whom about 680 are scientists, including 200 Ph.D. candidates.

A key part of HZDR's research activities is resource technology, which is the focus of the Helmholtz Institute Freiberg (HIF). The HIF develops innovative technologies to enable the efficient and environmentally friendly extraction and recycling of mineral and metal-containing raw materials, contributing to a sustainable Circular Economy. It collaborates closely with TU Bergakademie Freiberg and is a founding core member of the European EIT RawMaterials partnership, playing a decisive role in its establishment.

Ambition Statement

As part of the HZDR, HIF focuses on the development of statistical tools to optimise sampling strategies and sampling methods in the DeepBEAT project. This includes the design of sampling schemes for surface media at all three test sites, the testing of new approaches for (compositional) calibration of analytical instruments, and the analysis of geochemical data using compositional data analysis frameworks. All these activities will be an integral part of 2D and 3D modelling. As the project leader, HZDR/HIF aims to bring together partners from different fields and disciplines to generate new inventions.

Specific technologies related to project

• statistical framework of compositional data analysis (CoDa)
• data fusion
• handling surface media

GTK

Who we are

Geological Survey of Finland (GTK) is one of the leading experts in the application of geosciences in Europe operating under Finland's Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment. Established in 1885, GTK is at the forefront of exploring and managing geological resources to foster sustainable economic development and environmental stewardship.

GTK specializes in a wide range of services, including mineral resource assessments, groundwater exploration, environmental impact studies, and geological mapping. By integrating advanced technologies like geoinformatics and 3D modeling, GTK delivers innovative solutions tailored to meet the needs of industries, policymakers, and the scientific community.

With a strong focus on sustainability, GTK supports the transition to a green economy by identifying critical raw materials essential for renewable energy technologies and circular economy practices. The organization collaborates with international partners, contributing to global research initiatives and sharing expertise to address complex geoscientific challenges.

Headquartered in Espoo, with regional offices across Finland, GTK is committed to driving innovation, fostering economic resilience, and ensuring the responsible use of geological resources for future generations.

Ambition statements

According to our strategy for 2024-2027, GTK develops solutions to accelerate the transition to a sustainable carbon neutral world, and pioneer in research of availability of mineral raw materials. Facilitating the use of geochemical exploration methods, especially in activities for deep exploration, is one of the key approaches such that new discoveries can be made in bedrock at depth and located under sediment cover. GTK objectives in DeepBEAT are to participate in developing (1) understanding of VMS mineralization system and its distal footprint, (2) novel data acquisition and (3) analytical and data processing methods for biogeochemical and sediment geochemical exploration for discovery of deep-seated VMS deposits.

Technologies

• Drone-assisted sampling design: Automated tree crown and species recognition for precise tree sampling design from drone data
• Drone-based sampling of upper tree canopies
• Mushroom geochemistry in exploration of volcanic massive sulphidic mineralization
• Mapping mineralization proxies in 3D

Czech Geological Survey

Who we are

The Czech Geological Survey is a highly respected state organization that compiles, stores, interprets and provides objective expert geological information for the state administration, the private sector and the public. It is a state-funded body, the departmental research institute of the Ministry of the Environment responsible for functioning as the state geological survey in the Czech Republic. It is the only institution tasked with the systematic investigation of the geological structure of the entire Czech Republic.

The well-established reputation of the Czech Geological Survey is based on the optimum combination of services to society with top-ranking research in geological science, natural resources, geohazards and environmental protection.

As an internationally respected scientific institution, it responds to the requirements of society for sustainable development and plays a significant role in education and in the popularization of geology.

Ambition statements

Czech Geological Survey is conducting basic and applied research in the field of minerals for sustainable economic development. Extensive exploration using deep boreholes is relatively difficult in the Czech Republic as a cultural landscape with a relatively high population density. The low impact geochemical methods for the exploration and investigation of deeper mineral deposits that will be developed and used in the DeepBEAT project are an ideal first phase option for the exploration of concealed deposits. Case study Hůrky with REE-Zr-(Mo) mineralisation is a suitable test site for these methods.

Technologies

The Czech Geological Survey operates a certified laboratory equipped with modern analytical techniques including e.g. Field emission scanning electron microscope Tescan Mira3 GMU, Laser Ablation system Agilent 7900 ICP-MS, Thermo Scientific Neptune MC ICP MS for analysis of "non-traditional" stable isotopes, IRMS mass spectrometry DELTA V Advantage, 2 AAS SPECTROMETERS A-Analyst 200 A-Pin

Beak Consultants

Who we are

Beak Consultants GmbH is a private service enterprise from Germany providing a large range of services including geological mapping and data processing, mineral potential mapping, mineral prospecting & exploration, hydro-geochemical and hydro-geological monitoring and modelling, nature conservation and environmental protection studies and reporting, as well as planning and implementing tailor-made databases, map production tools and geo-information systems.

Beak has strong practical and conceptual experience in geoscientific data management, mining, hydrogeology and geology, and it has planned and implemented information systems as well as complex knowledge management systems for mining, geological and environmental authorities in several countries. Beak is focused on development on new technologies applicable to the mining sector, ranging from predictive mapping and data integration tools to data capture and data management systems.

Beak is committed to maintaining a highly trained and educated staff dedicated to understanding clients' needs and providing products and services appropriate to these needs. We do this through the provision of leading concepts in science and engineering coupled with modern IT-technologies. Our geo-scientists, geochemists, hydrogeologists, soil scientists, ecologists, landscape designers, cartographers, surveyors, computer scientists, and mathematicians work hand in hand towards the development of innovative solutions to the problems of our partners.

Ambition statements

Beak Consultants GmbH is strongly involved in R&R project funded by EU and Germany in software and technology development for data integration using different methods of artificial intelligence and GIS in the fields of mineral exploration targeting, geo-hazard prediction and hydro/geochemical monitoring.

Since 2007, Beak has been developing and applying artificial intelligence for mineral predictive mapping in 2D in Europe and abroad in African countries.

In the past years, Beak has started to shift focus from 2D modelling and prediction of mineral potential into 3D modelling and prediction.

In DeepBEAT, Beak will focus research and application of AI and data integration on geochemistry of granite-related mineralization in the Erzgebirge in Work Package 3.

Local focus is on mineral potential of Erzgebirge for Li, Sn, W and other metals on the German and Czech side.

Technologies

The advangeo® product family by Beak is the result of a long-lasting development process. It summarizes the experience of many years of software development for national mining and environmental authorities and mining companies.

Out of these products, advangeo® Prediction Software uses methods of artificial intelligence for the prediction of spatial events/phenomena based on multivariate data. It is used to predict spatial phenomena like distribution of mineral deposits, water and soil chemistry, soil erosion, geo-hazards (landslides, coal seam fires) or species distribution (pests in forestry).

IMA Engineering

Who we are

IMA is a manufacturer of new on-line mineral sampling and analysis technology for mining and exploration companies. IMA on-line sensors are used in various stages of the mining process including on-line analysis of drill cores, drill chips, ore, and waste in loader buckets, ROM ore analysis on conveyor belts and in bulk ore sorting, as well as in slurry analysis in concentrators. Our solutions are designed to increase the production efficiency in the mining industry.

Ambition statements

IMA's objective in this project is to develop an onsite multi-sensor scanning technology. The conventional laboratory mineral and soil analysis methods requires a lot of effort, time and money and each technology has its own pros and cons. Our objective is to develop a portable multi-sensor scanner bench which could address above short comes and provide fast and accurate data for decision making.

Technologies

XRF: X-ray Fluorescence

LIBS: Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy

FinnCobalt

Who we are

FinnCobalt Oy, a subsidiary of Eurobattery Minerals AB, specializes in the exploration and development of battery mineral resources. The company focuses on advancing the Hautalampi Project, a significant initiative in eastern Finland aimed at producing responsibly sourced nickel, cobalt, and copper for the European battery supply chain.

Key Highlights:

• Mining Plan: The project features a 12-year underground mining schedule with an annual mining rate of approximately 500,000 tonnes of ore.
• On-Site Processing: Ore will be processed at a concentrator plant to be constructed on-site.
• Production Estimates: Nickel-Cobalt Concentrate of 11,400 tonnes of nickel and 2,900 tonnes of cobalt; Copper Concentrate of 9,600 tonnes of copper. The concentrates are of excellent quality with no harmful elements, based on comprehensive metallurgical testing.
• Ore Reserves: The production schedule is based on proven and probable reserves of 4.6 Mt, with grades of Ni 0.28%, Cu 0.22%, and Co 0.08%.
• Future Potential: An additional 4.7 Mt of mineral resources provides a significant opportunity for future development and mine life extension.

Hautalampi is strategically positioned to supply critical battery metals, aligning with sustainable and high-quality production standards.

FinnCobalt Oy focuses on exploring potential nickel (Ni), cobalt (Co), and copper (Cu) assets to support the growing demand for critical battery metals. Among its exploration areas, the Saramäki exploration area is particularly notable for its strong copper potential. This area complements the company's broader strategy of identifying and developing high-quality battery metal resources.

Ambition statements

As part of the DeepBEAT project consortium, FinnCobalt is dedicated to supporting the development of groundbreaking technologies that utilize advanced geochemical methods to detect deep-seated deposits, such as the Saramäki deposit. This initiative aligns with the company's vision of transforming the exploration sector by integrating cutting-edge and sustainable technologies.

Driving Europe Toward Climate-Neutral Solutions

FinnCobalt is deeply invested in pushing Europe toward a climate-neutral and socially responsible economy. The exploration of deep deposits will prioritize environmentally friendly, socially acceptable, and ultra-low impact methodologies. This approach aims to assure citizens that exploration can be conducted responsibly, fostering public trust and acceptance—critical for creating a more resilient and inclusive European society.

Key Objectives for Sustainable and Responsible Exploration

To enhance exploration activities and align them with sustainability goals, FinnCobalt is focused on:

• Advancing Geochemical Methods: Developing innovative geochemistry techniques to identify deep-seated deposits effectively and with minimal environmental impact.
• Interdisciplinary Approaches: Combining geophysics, geochemistry, and social sciences to create a holistic and sustainable exploration framework.
• Public Engagement: Recognizing the critical role of public support by promoting awareness and engaging with scientists, exploration companies, and stakeholders in meaningful dialogue.
• Resource Mapping: Providing tools to comprehensively map resources for future development.
• Social Responsibility: Demonstrating that exploration activities can be sustainable, transparent, and beneficial for local communities.

Through these efforts, FinnCobalt aims to create substantial added value in the exploration sector, ensuring that activities are scientifically robust, socially responsible, and aligned with Europe's sustainability objectives.

Technologies

FinnCobalt Oy is committed to advancing the exploration of critical battery metals such as nickel (Ni), cobalt (Co), and copper (Cu) to meet the rising demand for sustainable resources. The Saramäki exploration area, recognized for its substantial mineral potential, is a key focus of FinnCobalt's strategy to develop high-quality, battery-grade resources.

LC Innoconsult International

Who we are

LC Innoconsult has been providing commercialization services for over 30+ years. We provide services in IPR, exploitation and commercialisation of research results, technology and knowledge transfer, market analysis, training and coaching.

We have participated in 12 EU funded projects, being responsible for Knowledge Management and Exploitation, we also gave exploitation related consultancy services for 80+ EU projects from various different fields.

Besides of EU funded projects we provide technology transfer, market analysis services. We are also involved in the start-up ecosystem as partner, mentor and investor.

Our team

Led by Dr. Péter Mogyorósi, who serves as CEO and also takes on the vital roles of Exploitation/IP manager and representative of LCI in the General Assembly, the team is well-equipped to ensure the success of the project. Katarína Nagyová, a senior manager, also plays a critical role as an Exploitation/IP manager and is involved in general management, serving as Work Package Leader. Dr. Sándor Horvát as Project manager, and Dr. Péter Ruzicska as Senior expert also contribute in the project's success. Together, this dedicated team ensures that DeepBEAT's innovations reach their full potential in the European society.

Université de Lorraine

Who we are

The University of Lorraine is a 60000 students University covering most of the higher education fields. Among the labs is hosts together with Nation-wide research institutes is GeoRessources. This lab is run under the joint supervision of UL and CNRS (Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique). GeoRessources is focussed on natural resources, from their exploration to their exploitation and their impact on territories. Research covers a wide range of topics, from field geology to recycling, including exploitation, recovery, use, risk assessment, life cycles and the associated social and environmental impacts. The laboratory is involved in a number of projects with industrial partners, creating an ecosystem in which there is considerable demand for characterisation of solid geological samples. Hence GeoRessources also developped a strong expertise on solid samples analysis, covering a large spectrum of geochemical and geophysical data types and a variety of scales ranging from sub-micrometre to field distances.

Ambition statements

We will focus on portable spectroscopies during DeepBEAT and more precisely on XRF (X-Ray Fluorescence) and LIBS (Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy). The task will focus on the ways to reconcile XRF and LIBS data so that the quantitative aspect of XRF can be transferred to LIBS to a certain degree. That should help a quick screening of samples on the field, hence reduce sample collection and analysis of low-interest samples.

Technologies

Both XRF and LIBS provide data on the elemental composition of a sample, i.e. of which elements of the periodic table are samples constituted. XRF can be quantitative and provides data from Mg to U. LIBS requires a much higher input from qualified staff to become quantitative and that work has to be redone on each new geological context. However, it provides access to the entire periodic table, including light elements of hight geological interest (Li, C, O, N, F) that are not detectable with XRF and usually has better detection limits. It is also much faster to operate will smaller safety constraints. The work will however not focus on the devices themselves but on the data processing.

Queen's University

Who we are

Queen's University has a long history of scholarship, discovery, and innovation that has shaped our collective knowledge and helped address some of the world's most pressing concerns. Home to more than 25,000 students, the university offers a comprehensive research-intensive environment with prominent strengths in physics, cancer research, geoengineering, data analytics, art conservation, and mental health research.

Welcoming and supporting students from all countries and backgrounds to a vibrant, safe, and supportive community is an important part of the Queen's experience. Diverse perspectives and a wealth of experience enrich our campus and our community. A core part of our mission is to engage our students, staff, and faculty in international learning and research, both at home and abroad.

In 2024, for the fourth year in a row, Queen's University has ranked in top 10 globally of the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings, securing the position of 8th worldwide and 2nd in North America. The rankings measured over 2,100 post-secondary institutions from 125 countries on their work to advance the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Ambition statements

The ambitions and objectives of the project from my perspective are to develop new isotopic and trace elemental techniques in a variety of media, with an emphasis on vegetation, to enhance our ability to detect mineralization of critical metals through deep cover. As part of this initiative, I am also hoping that we can advance our understanding of how metals migrate through deep cover to the surface environment.

Technologies

Technologically, we will be relying on state-of-the-art inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry techniques to develop rapid and cost-effective isotopic methodologies for use in mineral exploration.

Aurum Exploration Services

Who we are

Aurum Exploration Services is a leading provider of technical field services to the exploration and mining industry. Founded in 2002 in Ireland, Aurum has established itself as a trusted partner for companies operating predominately in Europe and Africa. With a strong focus on gold, zinc, uranium and critical minerals exploration, Aurum's team of experienced geologists and support staff offer a comprehensive range of services, including project management, geological mapping, sampling, and drilling program management.

Ambition statements

Aurum Exploration Services is proud to partner in DeepBEAT, a groundbreaking project revolutionizing raw materials exploration. We're committed to leveraging our expertise in geological services to support DeepBEAT's innovative approach. Together, we aim to enhance the efficiency and sustainability of mineral exploration, drive discoveries, and contribute to Europe's raw materials security. By combining our strengths, we'll unlock new opportunities for the mining industry and foster a more resilient and responsible supply chain.

Technology

• Surface and drone geophysics
• Litho-chemistry
• Plant and upper soil geochemistry
• Field based alteration mapping using PIMA
• 3D modelling and machine learning using historical underground mining and drilling data

University of Oulu — Oulu Mining School

Who we are

Oulu Mining School (OMS) is an education and research unit in geosciences and engineering at the University of Oulu, which significantly strengthens the University's expertise in natural resources and sustainability. OMS gathers core disciplines of mining value chain at the geosciences, geochemistry, geophysics, mining engineering and mineral processing sectors.

Ambition statements

Environmentally friendly exploration techniques such as surficial geochemistry, CODA based approach to data analysis and spatial analysis and modelling are important part of the methodological development, education, and research of the mineral exploration in OMS. In the DeepBEAT project, these exploration techniques will be used in the Saramäki target area, in eastern Finland. The same target area has been a test area for the upper soil weak leach and snow geochemistry in deep mineral exploration by OMS. Cooperation gives possibility to follow-up the research, compare results, and change knowledge as well as networking.

Technologies

Mobile Metal Ion theory (MMI), surficial geochemistry, upper soil sampling, weak leaching techniques, environmentally friendly exploration, deep mineral exploration

Golden Pet S.R.o — Associate Partner

Who we are

Golden Pet S.R.o is a Czech company 100% owned by Quest Critical Metals, a Canadian listed company. Quest has exploration licences covering 128km² straddling the Czech German border and centred on the Tisova Mine.

Our licence areas will be a test location for DeepBEAT as our property is believed to contain at least one Volcanic Massive Sulphide (VMS) deposit containing copper and cobalt (as well as gold and other minerals). We have also identified a much deeper potential VMS on the German side of our licences.

Golden Pet is also a Partner in the Exploration Information Systems EU grant funded project, using data analysis and AI to improve exploration for critical minerals within the EU.

Ambition Statements

Golden Pet will provide test locations for DeepBEAT's innovative use of geochemistry which will provide Golden Pet with a unique insight into potential deeper deposits in the licence area and help drive our future exploration.

SciAps

Who we are

SciAps, Inc. is a Boston-based instrumentation company specializing in portable analytical instruments to measure any element, any place on the planet. In August 2024 SciAps Inc was acquired by Spectris plc and will join Malvern Panalytical. Our industry-leading X-ray fluorescence (XRF) and laser-based (LIBS) analysers are at work across every major industry, including oil/gas, metals and mining, aerospace, battery and strategic metals (lithium, rare-earth elements), scrap metal recycling, chemical and petrochemical, military, forensics and law enforcement. SciAps instruments are configured to measure elements in all types of materials, so applications are always expanding, recently including space research, pandemic anti-viral coatings, agriculture, and environmental contaminants.

Ambition statements

As SciAps we are providing great portable instruments which will be used in this project. This includes the LIBS- as well as the XRF units. We are happy to see how our instruments are used in projects like DeepBEAT and are of course very happy to support and help in case of any questions regarding handling, software, data export etc.

Technologies

HH-XRF and HH-LIBS: X-ray fluorescence (XRF) is a non-destructive analytical method used to determine elemental concentrations in various materials. XRF works by striking a sample with an X-ray beam from an X-ray tube, causing characteristic X-rays to fluoresce from each element in the sample. A detector measures the energy and intensity (number of X-rays per second at a specific energy) of each X-ray, which is transformed into an elemental concentration using either a non-standard technique such as fundamental parameters or user-generated calibration curves.

Laser induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) is a type of optical emission spectroscopy used to measure elemental concentrations in a material. LIBS operates by using a pulsed, focused laser that is fired at a sample with sufficient pulse energy as to create a plasma around the area struck. As the plasma cools, atoms recombine with electrons and in the process emit light in the UV, optical and IR regimes. Recently, the technique has been miniaturized into a handheld device (HH LIBS) capable of analyzing any element, depending on the spectrometer range chosen for the device.

Zinnwald Lithium

Who we are

Bringing global experience to a unique European opportunity. We are a 100% European business, seeking to provide our clients with a product that meets Europe's high standards and specifications. As a producer of battery-grade lithium hydroxide, we are working towards a more self-sufficient and sustainable Germany: today, and for decades to come.

Zinnwald hosts the third-largest lithium deposit in Europe. The development of this strategic asset represents a significant opportunity to strengthen Europe's battery supply chain and reduce dependency on external sources.

Ambition statements

Through extensive exploration campaigns and drilling programs, Zinnwald Lithium has built a substantial archive of drill cores. These cores form the backbone of the project, providing critical geological data that supports our development efforts. At the same time, they offer a valuable opportunity for further scientific research beyond our core business—enabling studies on mineralization processes, alteration patterns, and broader geological contexts.

Technologies

As part of our commitment to scientific collaboration and sustainable resource development, Zinnwald Lithium is providing access to physical drill core samples and selected geological data in support of the Deep Beat Project. By contributing to the project's broader research goals, we aim to enhance the understanding of deep geological processes and promote innovative approaches to raw material exploration in Europe.