Geophysicist at the French Geological and Mining Research Bureau (BRGM)
Matthieu Chevillard
Geologist at the French National Geological Survey (BRGM)
Key takeaways
BRGM is to carry out an inventory of mineral resource potential, in order to characterise the resources naturally present in France.
With this inventory, the scientists will be compiling a set of uniform data that is unprecedented, since the last inventory did not cover 30% of the areas with mining potential, and many metals that are now considered critical were not analysed.
The technique used, airborne geophysics, is unprecedented for this purpose and on this scale in France.
By combining three methods (magnetism, gamma spectrometry and electromagnetism), it will be possible to obtain accurate data quickly.
In a second phase, targeted areas of interest will be analysed in greater detail using geochemical and geophysical techniques on the ground. Other innovative techniques such as hydrogeochemistry, biogeochemistry and geophysical acquisition by drone will also be tested.
Assistant and Economist-Prospector at IFP Énergies nouvelles and Research Director at IRIS
Émilie Normand
Economist Engineer, Head of Research at IFP Énergies nouvelles
Candice Roche
Research Fellow in Geopolitics of Metals and Ecological Transition at IFPEN
Key takeaways
As metals are at the core of national concerns, new mineral deposits in the deep sea tend to catch the attention of a growing number of actors.
Coastal states have rights over resources located in their exclusive economic zones; beyond that, the sea is a common zone where the status of mining remains to be defined.
Yet it is a zone rich in resources, particularly sulphide clusters, cobalt-rich crusts and polymetallic nodules.
The International Seabed Authority (ISA) is negotiating a regulatory framework for the exploitation of deep-sea resources.
These negotiations are giving rise to a new geopolitical sphere where traditional states alliances are questioned, and companies play an increasingly influential role.
Assistant and Economist-Prospector at IFP Énergies nouvelles and Research Director at IRIS
Candice Roche
Research Fellow in Geopolitics of Metals and Ecological Transition at IFPEN
Vincent d’Herbemont
Civil engineer in the economics and environmental assessment department at IFP énergies nouvelles
Louis-Marie Malbec
Economist engineer at IFP énergies nouvelles
Key takeaways
Through its “Vision 2030” project, Saudi Arabia has clearly stated its ambitions to diversify its economy and become a leader in low-carbon technologies.
Keeping up with the shift towards decarbonisation imposed by the climate crisis is forcing the kingdom (which derives 60% of its revenue from oil) to target markets other than hydrocarbons.
To achieve this, the country wants to exploit the significant mineral potential of its subsoil and develop an efficient industrial base in the mining and metallurgy sectors.
The latest assessment highlighted the abundance of gold, copper, zinc, nickel, rare earths, lithium and manganese found in Saudi soil.
Saudi Arabia is displaying a new strategy on the diplomatic stage: multi-alignment.
The country’s polymorphous strategy puts it in competition with the United Arab Emirates for ‘leadership’ of the region.
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