[AMNA]
Environment and Energy Minister Stavros Papastavrou highlighted the value of mineral resources, the prospects and significant contribution of the Hellenic Survey of Geology and Mineral Exploration, as well as Greece’s geostrategic role, in his speech Thursday at the annual conference, “Earth & Future – Underground Solutions for Surface Challenges.”
Referring to the role of the Hellenic Survey of Geology and Mineral Exploration, Papastavrou said it is “a national authority with more than a century of public service. It is a consistently valuable ally of the Greek state in the knowledge, mapping, protection and utilization of the country’s subsurface. At the same time, it acts as an ever-vigilant scientific guardian for the protection of citizens against natural hazards and disasters.”
Asked about Greece’s strategy on critical raw materials, the minister said the country has a long and “almost unique” history in the field. He stressed that subsurface solutions must be pursued with full respect for the environment, safety and local communities, adding that the exploitation of mineral wealth is fully compatible with environmental protection and community interests.
“The government’s political will is to make use of Greece’s natural wealth,” he said, adding that lessons must be drawn from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the crisis in the Strait of Hormuz, both of which underline the importance of reducing energy dependence.
