INTRAW Project – Bled, Slovenia Michael Lawless, CPG-09224
In September, I participated in a workshop in Bled, Slovenia, as a representative of AIPG. The workshop included approximately 45 geoscientists from nearly 20 countries. This workshop was the first step in a project which will evaluate ways to foster international cooperation on raw materials management and mining. The project is being coordinated by the European Federation of Geologists and is funded in part by the European Union. The project, known as INTRAW, is evalu- ating best practices with regard to mining and raw materials development including policies and strategies; educational and skills programs; licensing and permitting; regulation and data reporting; exploration, extraction, processing and recycling practices; management and substitution of critical raw materials; and research and innovation (see INTRAW press release on p. 7).
Like all meetings of geologists this one included a field trip. We visited Skocjan caves in the karst region of western Slovenia, near the border of Italy, where the study of karst geology began. The scale and scenery below ground were spec- tacular. The field trip was followed by a traditional Slovenian dinner at a nearby restaurant complete with homemade gin.
The meeting was a great opportunity to work with col- leagues from around the world over a period of three days and participate in discussions about their experiences with raw material management and development. There were many similar experiences where socio-cultural and environmental concerns are driving policies regarding raw material develop- ment despite the fact that we rely on those materials to main- tain our standard of living. As geologists we are all familiar with these issues throughout the US. In particular, we have been dealing with these issues recently in Virginia with the potential for uranium mining, as well as three new natural gas pipelines planned across the state. Those issues will be amplified in the future as populations grow, the second and third world countries continue to develop, and competition for resources increases. Somewhere along the line this increased competition will create opportunities for geologists.
AIPG has a key role in this project particularly with regard to our focus on professionalism, certification and licensure, and ethics.
The Geological Survey of Slovenia and the European Federation of Geologists hosted a first-class meeting and I am looking forward to continuing involvement in the project.
Above photos are in the Skocjan Caves.
Photo to hte left, Lake Bled, Slovenia.
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