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.
 

Session Chair

Giovanni De Santis, Turin Polytechnic University

Program

Introduction by the Chair

Keynote Speech
Speaker for European Commission (TBD)
Strategic Autonomy, Sustainability, and Innovation: T
The Role of Earth Observation in Europe's Critical Raw Materials Agenda

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 (invited):
Francesca Salvemini, MASE, Head of the Minister’s Technical Secretariat
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

Key themes:

• EO for prospecting and sustainable mining
• Monitoring environmental impacts of CRM extraction
• Lifecycle analysis and EO-enabled circular economy indicators
• Integrating EO in permitting, reporting and ESG standards
• National and European policy frameworks supporting EO use
• Case studies and pilot projects from Italy and across Europe

Expected outcomes:

• Showcase concrete examples of EO applications for CRM value chains
• Encourage institutional alignment between EU, national ministries, and research
• Identify gaps and opportunities for technological innovation and data sharing
• Promote cross-sector collaboration and funding opportunities