British and French geological surveys strengthen collaboration through new agreement

BGS and the French geological survey, Bureau de Recherches Géologiques et Minières (BRGM), have signed a three-year bilateral Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) cementing the two organisations’ commitment to enhanced collaboration through the sharing of data, knowledge and best practice. The MoU aims to combine the strengths of two of Europe’s leading geological surveys to create a platform for scientific excellence with international influence and sustainable impact.

As national geological surveys, BRGM and BGS fulfil their respective countries’ needs for geological data and knowledge, which are essential for sustainable industrial development and societal security. Both are leading organisations in European geoscience and public services, and are active members of EuroGeoSurveys, helping to advance collaboration between other European geological surveys and contribute to European Commission initiatives.

The new agreement builds on a long history of cooperation, beginning with the Western European Geological Surveys network, which was launched in Orléans in 1971, and continuing through joint participation in EuroGeoSurveys and EU-funded projects such as CO2GeoNet.

It will support these aspirations, focusing particularly on international matters including critical raw materials, mineral intelligence, mapping, geohazards, subsurface intelligence to support the energy transition, and machine learning. The signing was undertaken by Dr Maggy Heintz, director of BGS International Geoscience, and Christophe Poinssot, deputy CEO of BRGM, during a UK–France policy exchange at the French Ministry of Economics and Finance.

“We are delighted to enter into this agreement with BRGM, further strengthening our longstanding collaboration and building on our respective expertise. As two of Europe’s leading geological surveys, BGS and BRGM are uniquely positioned to be able to underpin our shared aspirations across a wide range of sectors, from supporting the energy transition to security of mineral supply. Through sharing data and exchanging knowledge, we will both be better placed to deliver scientific solutions for some of the most pressing societal and economic challenges.”

Dr Karen Hanghøj, BGS Director.

“BRGM and BGS are two sister organisations which are facing similar challenges in their respective countries: how to improve and secure on the long-term the knowledge of the subsurface? How to ensure a reliable and safe usage of subsurface resources (critical raw materials, groundwater, natural hydrogen, natural heat…) while preventing the subsequent associated risks? How to support a reliable and robust adaptation to the overall climate change? By sharing their long-standing expertise, know-how and best practices, by also joining their forces in international projects, BRGM and BGS aims to increase their respective social impact and therefore significantly contribute to preserving the European sovereignty.”

Dr. Christophe Poinssot, deputy CEO of BRGM.