Ettevalmistustoetuse taotlus (ReachDeep, Suspect)

5868670 428625 0 0 -3810 9839325 Ehitajate tee 5 19086 Tallinn Rg-kood 74000323 Tel 620 2002 E-post [email protected] www.taltech.ee 0 0 Ehitajate tee 5 19086 Tallinn Rg-kood 74000323 Tel 620 2002 E-post [email protected] www.taltech.ee -3810 428625 0 0 SA Eesti Teadusagentuur Soola 8 2 5 . 0 5 .20 2 4 nr 11-10/ 195-10 51004 Tartu Ettevalmistustoetuse taotlemine Käesolevaga taotleb Tallinna Tehnikaülikool ( reg nr 74000323, ak EE201010052037382001 ) ettevalmistustoetust järgmistele p rojekti taotlusele : Robotic aided Exploration and Advanced CHaracterisation for Deep mineral deposits - REACHDeep ( 101177655 , HORIZON-CL4-2024-RESILIENCE-01 ) , Asko Ristolainen , arvutisüsteemide instituut; SUStainable exPloration technologies for EffiCient raw maTerials discovery – SUSPECT ( 101177749 , HORIZON-CL4-2024-RESILIENCE-01 ), Veiko Karu, geoloogia instituut. Lugupidamisega (allkirjastatud digitaalselt) Marika Lunden Teadusosakond Lisa: ESR id left 284480 Riina Vilgats 620 3536 [email protected] 0 0 Riina Vilgats 620 3536 [email protected] Associated with document Ref. Ares(2024)3567020 - 17/05/2024 Proposal Evaluation Form EUROPEAN COMMISSION Evaluation Summary Horizon Europe (HORIZON) Report - Research and innovation actions Call: HORIZON-CL4-2024-RESILIENCE-01 Type of action: HORIZON-RIA Proposal number: 101177655 Proposal acronym: REACHDeep Duration (months): 48 Proposal title: Robotic aided Exploration and Advanced CHaracterisation for Deep mineral deposits Activity: HORIZON-CL4-2024-RESILIENCE-01-01 N. Proposer name Country Total % Grant % eligible Requested costs 1 TALLINNA TEHNIKAÜLIKOOL EE 765,250 14.14% 765,250 14.14% 2 UNIVERSIDAD POLITECNICA DE MADRID ES 491,242.5 9.07% 491,242.5 9.07% 3 TAMPEREEN KORKEAKOULUSAATIO SR FI 569,550 10.52% 569,550 10.52% 4 UNIVERSITE DE LIEGE BE 557,500 10.30% 557,500 10.30% 5 UNIVERSIDAD DE LA LAGUNA ES 248,866.25 4.60% 248,866.25 4.60% 6 LA PALMA RESEARCH CENTRE SL ES 180,250 3.33% 180,250 3.33% 7 INSTITUT ROYAL DES SCIENCES NATURELLES DE BE 597,937.5 11.05% 597,937.5 11.05% BELGIQUE 8 GEOLOSKI ZAVOD SLOVENIJE SI 303,125 5.60% 303,125 5.60% 9 FEDERATION EUROPEENNE DES GEOLOGUES BE 223,395 4.13% 223,395 4.13% 10 INTERNATIONAL RAW MATERIALS OBSERVATORY BE 146,950 2.71% 146,950 2.71% AISBL 11 4DCODERS BG 670,250 12.38% 670,250 12.38% 12 GSCAN OU EE 500,000 9.24% 500,000 9.24% 13 Podzemlje Pece, d. o. o. SI 75,312.5 1.39% 75,312.5 1.39% 14 HANNUKAINEN MINING OY FI 83,750 1.55% 83,750 1.55% Total: 5,413,378.75 5,413,378.75 Abstract: 101177655/REACHDeep-17/05/2024-09:07:35 1/4  Associated with document Ref. Ares(2024)3567020 - 17/05/2024 The objective of the REACHDeep project is to unlock the full potential of existing mineral resource exploration technologies and to establish a novel framework for mineral detection in deep deposits through the development of state-of-the-art sensing technologies, combined with artificial intelligence and robotic platforms. Through this, the project aims to optimize mineral exploration practices and contribute significantly to Europe's raw material security. To increase the spatial resolution and quality of deep underground data, we will develop and demonstrate new investigation methods and instrumentation in geophysical and in-situ sensing modalities. We will develop innovative robotic hardware and software solutions that can negotiate locomotion through a variety of conditions, carry and deploy sensors accurately and efficiently, and collect and transport rock samples for ground truthing purposes from locations inaccessible to humans. To reach the full potential of innovative robotic solutions for mineral exploration, we will address autonomy on the single robot level as well as in Multi-Robot Systems. The previously listed activities will assist in the generation of prospective targets as the main goal of the project. This will be achieved by the integration of all available data into a geological model that reflects the predicted spatial distribution of potential mineralization. Through smart AI- assisted integration, we aim to reduce the overall model uncertainty and to demonstrate geological understanding not yet seen in the industry. Integration will enhance the accuracy of geological models through the collection and integration of novel data acquired using the developed solutions. The technologies developed will be tested and validated on two distinct mineral deposits and the collected data will be organized according to the UNFC framework. An potential increase of over 10% in EU critical raw material resources from re-opening historical mines is forseen. Evaluation Summary Report Evaluation Result Total score: 12.00 (Threshold: 10 ) Criterion 1 - Excellence Score: 3.50 (Threshold: 3 / 5.00 , Weight: - ) The following aspects will be taken into account, to the extent that the proposed work corresponds to the description in the work programme: - Clarity and pertinence of the project’s objectives, and the extent to which the proposed work is ambitious and goes beyond the state of the art. - Soundness of the proposed methodology, including the underlying concepts, models, assumptions, inter-disciplinary approaches, appropriate consideration of the gender dimension in research and innovation content, and the quality of open science practices, including sharing and management of research outputs and engagement of citizens, civil society and end users where appropriate. The proposal is in line with the objective of the call for enhancing mineral raw materials accessibility in deep land deposits within the EU. The project involves the revitalisation of old, abandoned mines, through the application of cutting-edge AI-driven geological modelling techniques combined with innovative robotic and sensing technologies. The developed technologies and concepts will be implemented and tested in two closed but partly accessible mines: (i) Mežica mine (now a museum), Slovenia and (ii) Hannukainen Mine, Finland, with different geological characteristics. The proposal is ambitious, the objectives are clear and realistic to update the historical knowledge and integrate it with technological advancements in brownfield exploration to discover new ore bodies at several hundred meters depth. Several technologies are presented, but the suitable methodology how to achieve the objectives in different types of abandoned mines and geological conditions is not adequately addressed. Additionally only a few CRMs and SRMs will be investigated. The validation of the methodology is not convincingly addressed. These are shortcomings. The proposal states it will increase penetration depth by at least 50%, but this is not concretely justified. It anticipates also it will emerge at least 20 new CRMs exploration projects in the future, without giving a credible time perspective for when and where. This is a shortcoming. The innovation potential of the single proposed technologies is high and clearly beyond state of the art. Several technology developments, data processing and 3D modelling using machine learning are planned. Breakthrough innovation technologies are the development of robotic drilling device installation technique used for the Mars's Rover, microwave fragmentation, muon tomography, the development in sensors miniaturisation and the use of generative AI for geophysical and geological modelling. TRL targets and potential progress in the field are clear and credibly advancing from 1 – 2 to 4 – 5 level. The inter-disciplinary approach of the project is very well demonstrated. The open science management plan is convincing, including early and open sharing, open peer review, and citizen, civil society, and stakeholder engagement. The proposal claims to engage with Gender-Focused Initiatives. The proposal addresses UNFC resources assessment. The use of Copernicus and/or Galileo/EGNOS data is not mentioned among the technologies applied. This is a minor shortcoming. Criterion 2 - Impact Score: 4.00 (Threshold: 3 / 5.00 , Weight: - ) 101177655/REACHDeep-17/05/2024-09:07:35 2/4  Associated with document Ref. Ares(2024)3567020 - 17/05/2024 The following aspects will be taken into account, to the extent that the proposed work corresponds to the description in the work programme: - Credibility of the pathways to achieve the expected outcomes and impacts specified in the work programme, and the likely scale and significance of the contributions from the project. - Suitability and quality of the measures to maximise expected outcomes and impacts, as set out in the dissemination and exploitation plan, including communication activities. The credible pathways to achieve the outcomes of the call are described, but the exploration activities of CRMs and SRMs resources assessment upgrade, the development of new integrated “exploration concept” which could be directly implemented elsewhere are insufficiently demonstrated. This is shortcoming. The quantification or scaling of the impact outcome of CRM resources enhancement, such as increasing of at least 10% in EU domestic critical raw material resources and 5% or more in EU domestic raw material extraction, is not adequately described. This is a shortcoming. The exploitation strategy, including pathways to commercialisation of innovations are well justified. The results will be suitable to adopt them by the industry through spin-off projects in the field of technology developments, and business uptake in a 10-25 year perspective. The communication and dissemination measures are very well indicated and clearly described; they are suitable to reach out to society and other specific target groups, which are adequately identified. The high number of publications indicates the openness of the proposal. A detailed IPR management is presented with several objectives and advanced TRL scores. It covers patents or utility model ownership, trade mark, and copyright conditions. Criterion 3 - Quality and efficiency of the implementation Score: 4.50 (Threshold: 3 / 5.00 , Weight: - ) The following aspects will be taken into account, to the extent that the proposed work corresponds to the description in the work programme: - Quality and effectiveness of the work plan, assessment of risks, and appropriateness of the effort assigned to work packages, and the resources overall. - Capacity and role of each participant, and the extent to which the consortium as a whole brings together the necessary expertise. The work plan structure is appropriate with eight WPs. Six WPs cover research and development activities, and two WPs are connected with project management, communication, dissemination, outreach and exploitation of results, and policy development. Interaction between WPs is clearly visible and understandable. The description of most of the WPs corresponds with the main technological achievements and TRL progress is appropriately presented. However, in WP6, (Demonstration and validation in real-life settings), a thorough technical explanation of the test locations, including the objectives or issues to be addressed, the intended efforts, and the data and technology/tools that will be gathered for different validation reasons is not described. This a shortcoming. Deliverables and milestones are sound, clearly described in the work plan and integrated with the technological developments. They provide a suitable monitoring of the project progress, also soundly supported by KPIs. The risk management plan is comprehensive, however the lack of identification of critical risk for the final technology developments and financial risk is lacking sufficient detail. This is a minor shortcoming. Other risk-mitigation measures are convincing. The allocation of tasks and resources among the partners is appropriate. However, the functional inter-linkages of partners in a given task are insufficiently presented. This is a minor shortcoming. The requested resources are reasonable to the targeted objectives. Person-month allocation and effort in WPs is considered appropriate. Most person-months go to WP6 which deals with the development of new software, prototypes, and the geological modelling demonstration and validation. Due to the intense mechanical and robotic nature of the proposal a significant part of the budget is allocated for equipment developments. The capacity and role of each partner is convincing. There are 14 partners in the consortium including representatives from industrial sector and academia. The clustering activities with other relevant on-going projects are clearly indicated and described. Cross-project cooperation and consultations is dedicated within WP5. Scope of the application Status: Yes Comments (in case the proposal is out of scope) Not provided Exceptional funding A third country participant/international organisation not listed in the General Annex to the Main Work Programme may exceptionally receive funding if their participation is essential for carrying out the project (for instance due to outstanding expertise, access to unique know-how, access to research infrastructure, access to particular geographical environments, possibility to involve key partners in emerging markets, access to data, etc.). (For more information, see the HE programme guide ) Please list the concerned applicants and requested grant amount and explain the reasons why. Based on the information provided, the following participants should receive exceptional funding: Not provided 101177655/REACHDeep-17/05/2024-09:07:35 3/4  Associated with document Ref. Ares(2024)3567020 - 17/05/2024 Based on the information provided, the following participants should NOT receive exceptional funding: Not provided Use of human embryonic stem cells (hESC) Status: No If YES, please state whether the use of hESC is, or is not, in your opinion, necessary to achieve the scientific objectives of the proposal and the reasons why. Alternatively, please state if it cannot be assessed whether the use of hESC is necessary or not, because of a lack of information. Not provided Use of human embryos Status: No If YES, please explain how the human embryos will be used in the project. Not provided Activities excluded from funding Status: No If YES, please explain. Not provided Do no significant harm principle Status: Yes If Partially/No/Cannot be assessed please explain Not provided Exclusive focus on civil applications Status: Yes If NO, please explain. Not provided Artificial Intelligence Status: Yes If YES, the technical robustness of the proposed system must be evaluated under the appropriate criterion. Overall comments Not provided 101177655/REACHDeep-17/05/2024-09:07:35 4/4  Digitally sealed by the European Commission Date: 2024.05.17 09:35:09 CEST This electronic receipt is a digitally signed version of the document submitted by your organisation. Both the content of the document and a set of metadata have been digitally sealed. This digital signature mechanism, using a public-private key pair mechanism, uniquely binds this eReceipt to the modules of the Funding & Tenders Portal of the European Commission, to the transaction for which it was generated and ensures its full integrity. Therefore a complete digitally signed trail of the transaction is available both for your organisation and for the issuer of the eReceipt. Any attempt to modify the content will lead to a break of the integrity of the electronic signature, which can be verified at any time by clicking on the eReceipt validation symbol. More info about eReceipts can be found in the FAQ page of the Funding & Tenders Portal. (https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/support/faq) Commission européenne/Europese Commissie, 1049 Bruxelles/Brussel, BELGIQUE/BELGIË - Tel. +32 22991111  Associated with document Ref. Ares(2024)3567079 - 17/05/2024 Proposal Evaluation Form EUROPEAN COMMISSION Evaluation Summary Horizon Europe (HORIZON) Report - Research and innovation actions Call: HORIZON-CL4-2024-RESILIENCE-01 Type of action: HORIZON-RIA Proposal number: 101177749 Proposal acronym: SUSPECT Duration (months): 36 Proposal title: SUStainable exPloration technologies for EffiCient raw maTerials discovery Activity: HORIZON-CL4-2024-RESILIENCE-01-01 N. Proposer name Country Total % Grant % eligible Requested costs 1 TALLINNA TEHNIKAÜLIKOOL EE 543,750 10.88% 543,750 10.88% 2 THE CHANCELLOR MASTERS AND SCHOLARS OF THE UK 473,790 9.48% 473,790 9.48% UNIVERSITY OF CAMBRIDGE 3 TERRANIGMA SOLUTIONS GMBH DE 306,250 6.13% 306,250 6.13% 4 WIDMO SPECTRAL TECHNOLOGIES SPOLKA Z PL 305,530 6.11% 305,530 6.11% OGRANICZONA ODPOWIEDZIALNOSCIA 5 AtomTrace a.s. CZ 304,375 6.09% 304,375 6.09% 6 M.P. SEMENENKO INSTITUTE OF GEOCHEMISTRY, UA 111,750 2.24% 111,750 2.24% MINERALOGY AND ORE FORMATIONOF NAS OF UKRAINE 7 Moonen Ventures FI 185,000 3.70% 185,000 3.70% 8 MNLT INNOVATIONS IKE EL 249,375 4.99% 249,375 4.99% 9 S E & C IDIOTIKI KEFALAIOUCHIKI ETAIREIA EL 150,000 3.00% 150,000 3.00% 10 MUON SOLUTIONS OY FI 306,875 6.14% 306,875 6.14% 11 CLUSTER PARA LA MINERIA SOSTENIBLE Y SERVICIOS ES 213,500 4.27% 213,500 4.27% ASOCIADOS DE LA PENINSULA IBERICA - IBERIAN SUSTAINABLE MINING CLUSTER 12 NOVAMECHANICS LIMITED CY 348,125 6.96% 348,125 6.96% 13 Ukrlithiummining LLC UA 28,500 0.57% 28,500 0.57% 14 UNIVERSIDAD DE CANTABRIA ES 293,750 5.88% 293,750 5.88% 15 LEKATECH OY FI 473,750 9.48% 473,750 9.48% 16 DOK-ING DRUSTVO S OGRANICENOM ODGOVORNOSCU HR 293,125 5.86% 293,125 5.86% ZA INZENJERING I UNUTARNJUI VANJSKU TRGOVINU 17 Remote Sensing Business Solutions P.S.A. PL 302,250 6.05% 302,250 6.05% 18 POLITECHNIKA WROCLAWSKA PL 108,750 2.18% 108,750 2.18% Total: 4,998,445 4,998,445 Abstract: 101177749/SUSPECT-17/05/2024-09:07:48 1/5  Associated with document Ref. Ares(2024)3567079 - 17/05/2024 SUSPECT is an ambitious project aiming to transform the exploration of CRMs (Li, Mg, Cu) by creating 8 cutting-edge, eco-friendly exploration technologies. It aims to enhance the accuracy of mineral detection by developing super-resolution algorithms, synthetic hyperspectral imagery, innovative airborne sensors in UAVs, SGPR, and non-intrusive muon detection technology. A unique fully electric drill, integrated by an ultra low- profile drill rig, will facilitate efficient access to challenging deposits. Furthermore, the world’s first automated LIBS-RS analytical instrument, capable of analysing a 5 m drill core in just 10 minutes, will eliminate the need for offsite sample analysis. SUSPECT's pioneering AI-platform will seamlessly integrate and process the data generated by our cutting-edge technologies, transforming it into actionable insights for enhanced decision- making. Rapid 3D geomodelling delivering mixed reality (XR) experiences will make intricate geological data accessible and understandable to a wide range of users. Through leveraging machine learning and advanced data analysis and data processing, we aim to increase the accuracy of valuable deposit detection by 25%, halve the average exploration time of preliminary and grassroots exploration projects, and boost the efficiency of deep land exploration by 20%. This will be validated in five distinct pilots involving mining companies, regulatory bodies, and community representatives. SUSPECT further promotes ethical sourcing of CRMs by reducing CO2 emissions by 40% and cutting land disturbance by 50%. The SUSPECT consortium, which includes 4 respected universities, 12 innovative SMEs, a geological institute, and a mining cluster, across 10 countries, draws upon experience from previous Horizon and EIT RM projects. Our wide geographical reach, which encompasses countries like Ukraine and Spain with significant CRM deposits, uniquely equips us to significantly increase associated resources and reserves. Evaluation Summary Report Evaluation Result Total score: 11.50 (Threshold: 10 ) Criterion 1 - Excellence Score: 3.50 (Threshold: 3 / 5.00 , Weight: - ) The following aspects will be taken into account, to the extent that the proposed work corresponds to the description in the work programme: - Clarity and pertinence of the project’s objectives, and the extent to which the proposed work is ambitious and goes beyond the state of the art. - Soundness of the proposed methodology, including the underlying concepts, models, assumptions, inter-disciplinary approaches, appropriate consideration of the gender dimension in research and innovation content, and the quality of open science practices, including sharing and management of research outputs and engagement of citizens, civil society and end users where appropriate. SUSPECT aims to advance the exploration of CRMs (Li, Mg, Cu) by creating 8 cutting-edge, eco-friendly exploration technologies by developing higher-resolution algorithms, synthetic hyperspectral imagery, airborne sensors in UAVs, Subsurface Ground Penetrating Radar (SGPR), and non-intrusive muon detection technology; however, it is noted that Cu is a strategic metal. The objectives are relevant to the call topic. The proposal contributes to the increase of the resources of various primary CRMs within the EU and non-EU countries and to an accelerated development of exploration projects integrating innovative technologies. It also aims to integrate a set of already existing technologies (i.e. UAV) with other innovative approaches like High Resolution Analytical Techniques and drilling technologies (electric drill) in minerals exploration. Furthermore, the proposal aims, through machine learning and data analysis, to increase the accuracy of deposit detection by 25%, decrease the average exploration time of exploration projects by 50%, and increase the efficiency of deep land exploration by 20%; in addition, it aims to reduce by 50% CO2 emissions during sourcing of CRMs. However, these quantified targets of the objectives are not credibly motivated, because the enhancement of 8 different technologies, per se, does not lead to such effective increases. This is a shortcoming. A structured concept with precise objectives to be tested is lacking detail in large parts of the proposal. In fact, the proposal tries to achieve concrete technological advances without convincingly explaining how they will be applied to the different test sites. Therefore, it is not expected to significantly contribute towards the goals of the call of advancing exploration and exploitation of CRMs in Europe. This is a shortcoming. The state of the art of the technologies as well as the present inefficiencies and barriers are clearly indicated and the approach to overcome them is sufficiently documented. The beyond the state-of-the-art current scientific and technological progress is sufficiently formulated in terms of AI that provides a one-stop shop and cross- technology robust platform, enabling seamless integration and communication between new and existing digital SUSPECT solutions, that mostly and on average advance from TRL2 to TRL5. The proposed project promotes the utilisation of UNFC and UNRMS in the raw materials sector. The AI platform will be used to classify resources according to the UNFC's three-dimensional system, while it will follow UNRMS guidelines to integrate the principles of sustainable development goals (SDGs) into resource management. The proposal aims to improve awareness of the general public at EU level focusing on the importance of raw materials for a successful transition to a climate- neutral and digitised economy, mainly through its dissemination and communication plans. Another important aspect involved is to improve awareness and understanding of the AI module's impact. Overall, the proposal has the potential to develop interdisciplinary technological approaches. However, the mineral exploration contribution to the interdisciplinarity of the approaches is not adequately proven. This is a shortcoming. Equality, non-discrimination, and gender aspects are sufficiently addressed. The project expresses its commitment in adopting Open Sciences Practices and predicts a reliable Data Management Plan. Finally, the proposal mentions that WorldView-3 satellite imagery will be used for mineral mapping. Criterion 2 - Impact 101177749/SUSPECT-17/05/2024-09:07:48 2/5  Associated with document Ref. Ares(2024)3567079 - 17/05/2024 Score: 4.50 (Threshold: 3 / 5.00 , Weight: - ) The following aspects will be taken into account, to the extent that the proposed work corresponds to the description in the work programme: - Credibility of the pathways to achieve the expected outcomes and impacts specified in the work programme, and the likely scale and significance of the contributions from the project. - Suitability and quality of the measures to maximise expected outcomes and impacts, as set out in the dissemination and exploitation plan, including communication activities. The proposal contributes to the implementation of the EU action plan on Critical Raw Materials. The pathways to achieve the anticipated impact as specified in the work programme are defined. However, in most cases there is no sufficient explanation of how the potential KPIs related to the expected outcomes will be verified. This is a shortcoming. The sustainability plan and business model are sufficiently presented. The proposal, based on previously acquired knowledge of the involved partners in the raw materials sector and also on an existing platform, will contribute to the social impacts related to exploration activities in Europe. Dissemination and communication plans involve several diverse activities and are well-defined. Thorough exploitation and business (short to long term strategy) plans are to be implemented, including sustainability plan, outcome forecasts and individual benefits. The exploitation strategy identifies two scenarios of commercialization by two or more partners or through spin-off companies formed by individual partners. Three stages of commercialization strategy are drafted, namely a short-term (during SUSPECT duration), a medium-term (1-3 years after the end of the project to reach TRL8), and a long-term (4-6 years after the end of the project to reach industrial TRL9). The IPR management strategy is properly planned and presented. Finally, SUSPECT aims to provide data for research and validation purposes mainly as open data to facilitate the Open Learning and Open Science initiatives, as well as the dissemination of results. Criterion 3 - Quality and efficiency of the implementation Score: 3.50 (Threshold: 3 / 5.00 , Weight: - ) The following aspects will be taken into account, to the extent that the proposed work corresponds to the description in the work programme: - Quality and effectiveness of the work plan, assessment of risks, and appropriateness of the effort assigned to work packages, and the resources overall. - Capacity and role of each participant, and the extent to which the consortium as a whole brings together the necessary expertise. The work plan is divided into 9 work packages (WPs). The overall work plan structure as well as the description of most WPs and their interactions are adequate. The involved tasks are sufficiently aligned with the objectives. However, the selection of pilots lacks definition in terms of both the size and the importance of the deposits and the range of CRMs. In addition, the location of pilot 2 has not been defined further than "(...) the pilot will be carried out with a mine in Spain (…) through the assistance of a collaborative network”. Also, the strategy to achieve the anticipated advances in terms of increased efficiency on exploration of CRMs is lacking detail. These are shortcomings. In WP6 (Real-world Pilot Planning, Execution, and Evaluation), 4 tasks deal with verifying each new technology individually and only Task 6.6 addresses the validation of AI platform and the integrated technologies. This is an unbalanced and unfocused approach because what needs to be actually tested and validated is mainly the deep exploration potential of a technologically integrated approach and not the individual technologies separately. This is a shortcoming. The timing of the work packages is in several cases appropriate. However, all of them start at M1 and run in parallel; given the rather short duration of the project (36M) and the large number of tasks involved, this may risk the proper implementation of the foreseen activities. Several major deliverables are planned while most of them will be updated and re-submitted periodically. However, only few core deliverables pertinent to exploration technologies and modelling are planned in the first 18 months. This timing is considered marginally sufficient, and in case delays occur the proper mid- term monitoring of the project will be at risk. This is a minor shortcoming. Most resources allocated to partners are appropriate with their tasks. Critical risks are mentioned, however for some of them (e.g. R2, R6) the foreseen mitigation measures are not fully convincing. A specific, clearly presented task, is included for clustering activities. The SUSPECT consortium comprises 4 universities, 12 SMEs, a geological institute, and a mining cluster. Several partners have experience in participating in EU- funded projects in the field of raw materials. The organizational structure and the decision-making process are appropriate for the implementation of the tasks. Scope of the application Status: Yes Comments (in case the proposal is out of scope) Not provided Exceptional funding 101177749/SUSPECT-17/05/2024-09:07:48 3/5  Associated with document Ref. Ares(2024)3567079 - 17/05/2024 A third country participant/international organisation not listed in the General Annex to the Main Work Programme may exceptionally receive funding if their participation is essential for carrying out the project (for instance due to outstanding expertise, access to unique know-how, access to research infrastructure, access to particular geographical environments, possibility to involve key partners in emerging markets, access to data, etc.). (For more information, see the HE programme guide ) Please list the concerned applicants and requested grant amount and explain the reasons why. Based on the information provided, the following participants should receive exceptional funding: Not provided Based on the information provided, the following participants should NOT receive exceptional funding: Not provided Use of human embryonic stem cells (hESC) Status: No If YES, please state whether the use of hESC is, or is not, in your opinion, necessary to achieve the scientific objectives of the proposal and the reasons why. Alternatively, please state if it cannot be assessed whether the use of hESC is necessary or not, because of a lack of information. Not provided Use of human embryos Status: No If YES, please explain how the human embryos will be used in the project. Not provided Activities excluded from funding Status: No If YES, please explain. Not provided Do no significant harm principle Status: Yes If Partially/No/Cannot be assessed please explain Not provided Exclusive focus on civil applications Status: Yes If NO, please explain. Not provided Artificial Intelligence Status: Yes If YES, the technical robustness of the proposed system must be evaluated under the appropriate criterion. Overall comments 101177749/SUSPECT-17/05/2024-09:07:48 4/5  Associated with document Ref. Ares(2024)3567079 - 17/05/2024 Not provided 101177749/SUSPECT-17/05/2024-09:07:48 5/5  Digitally sealed by the European Commission Date: 2024.05.17 09:36:40 CEST This electronic receipt is a digitally signed version of the document submitted by your organisation. Both the content of the document and a set of metadata have been digitally sealed. This digital signature mechanism, using a public-private key pair mechanism, uniquely binds this eReceipt to the modules of the Funding & Tenders Portal of the European Commission, to the transaction for which it was generated and ensures its full integrity. Therefore a complete digitally signed trail of the transaction is available both for your organisation and for the issuer of the eReceipt. Any attempt to modify the content will lead to a break of the integrity of the electronic signature, which can be verified at any time by clicking on the eReceipt validation symbol. More info about eReceipts can be found in the FAQ page of the Funding & Tenders Portal. (https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/support/faq) Commission européenne/Europese Commissie, 1049 Bruxelles/Brussel, BELGIQUE/BELGIË - Tel. +32 22991111