Proyecto GeoERA-MINDeSEAContexto metalogénico para los depósitos minerales submarinos en los mares europeos

Résumé

GeoERA-MINDeSEA project is an ERA-NET action (2018-2021), Horizon 2020. The specific aim of MINDeSEA is to stablish the metallogenic context for different seabed mineral deposits with economic potential in the pan-European setting. The pro- ject, led by IGME, is funding a transnational cooperative network of 12 Geological Surveys and Marine Institutes, at various points of common interest for research and exploration on seafloor mineral deposits in pan-European seas. The geographi- cal scope of the project includes the European waters in the Atlantic and Arctic oceans, Baltic, Mediterranean and Black Sea, covering about 15.000.000 km2. MINDeSEA provides databases, cartographies, metallogenic models, case studies and assessment reports for spatial maritime planning, environmental protection and seabed mining regulations. Compilation and analysis of geographical, genetic, economic, chemical and environmental issues for seafloor massive sulphides, ferroman- ganese crusts, phosphorites, polymetallic nodules and placers are part of its core actions. Cobalt, lithium, tellurium, nickel, rare earth elements, copper, and other strategic and critical metals are being investigated in the European seabed mineral deposits, looking for alternative sources to the land-based mined deposits. Databases and maps are standardized and norma- lized according the INSPIRE. The MINDeSEA database currently contains more than 800 records of mineral occurrences and more than 1000 analysed samples in the European seas, providing information of interest as references. The outputs (maps, documents and additional data) are open and freely delivered through an Internet portal (www.geoera.eu).