From sky to ground: Earth observation for sustainable critical raw materials management

In a world increasingly concerned for secure and sustainable access to critical raw materials (CRM) for the green and digital transitions, the responsible and sustainable management of these resources becomes a strategic priority. This session, organized by the ECOMONDO Scientific Committee, the Politecnico di Torino, and the European Commission, explores how Earth observation (EO) technologies and satellite data are transforming our ability to monitor, assess, and manage the environmental impacts and supply chains of CRMs.

From exploration to circular economy practices, the session brings together key institutional stakeholders, researchers, and technology providers to examine how remote sensing, Copernicus services, and in-situ data can inform policy, support regulatory compliance, and enable transparency and traceability in CRM value chains.

Program

Keynote Speech
Strategic Autonomy, Sustainability, and Innovation: The Role of Earth Observation in Europe's Critical Raw Materials Agenda
Mark Dowell, DG JRC, European Commission

Mr. Mark Dowell’s keynote address will explore the strategic role of Earth observation technologies in supporting the European Union’s ambitions for sustainable autonomy in the sourcing and governance of Critical Raw Materials (CRMs). He will highlight how the European Commission is fostering innovation and collaboration across industrial ecosystems by leveraging space-based assets, focusing on integration with the EU Green Deal, the Net-Zero Industry Act, and the Critical Raw Materials Act.

H.E. Piotr Pniejnia-Olszyński, Consul, Advisor to the Political-Economic Office of the Polish Embassy in Italy

Panel Discussion
From policy to implementation: EO from CRM exploration to monitoring of strategic projects to enhance circularity and control environmental impacts

Moderated by:
Stefano Corgnati, Rettore del Politecnico di Torino
Giovanni De Santi, Politecnico di Torino
Gabriella Scipione, CINECA

Participants:
Francesca Salvemini, Head of the Minister’s Technical Secretariat, Italian Ministry of Environment and Energy Security
Gianluca Granero, DG DEFIS, Head Space Economy Unit
Daniele Spizzichino, ISPRA, Senior environmental expert
Gerardo Herrero, DG GROW, Seconded National Expert
Claudia Baranzelli, OECD, Policy analist
Piero Boccardo, Politecnico di Torino, Full Professor