Second expert consultation on the preparation of the National Research Programme on Critical Minerals (NRP)
On 8 April 2025, GeoZS, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Spatial Planning (MNVP) and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Slovenia (GZS) organised the second expert consultation on the preparation of the National Research Programme for Critical Mineral Resources (NRP).
The GeoZS has prepared a proposal for an NRP based on in-depth research and requiring the involvement of various ministries. The first consultation in January served to gather stakeholders' suggestions, which were incorporated as far as possible in the programme proposal.
At the second consultation, GeoZS experts presented the draft NRP in more detail, covering two key segments:
- Support activities - governance, monitoring, implementation evaluation, data management, communication and stakeholder involvement, and site evaluation.
- Data collection - geophysical, geochemical and field geological surveys.
All activities are in line with Article 19 of the European European Commission Regulation establishing a framework for ensuring a secure and sustainable supply of critical raw materials.
The programme will be finalised and submitted to the MNVP by the end of April, which will forward it to the Government of the Republic of Slovenia and then to the European Commission - in line with European deadlines.