Geological Survey of France

BRGM is the French Geological Survey and France’s leading public institution in the field of Earth Science for the sustainable management of natural resources (including mineral resources) and surface and subsurface risks. This activity is carried out through research activities, support to public policies, and international cooperation with companies and foreign research institutions. BRGM employs over 1,100 people, including more than 700 researchers and engineers.

The GeoResources Division activity covers the whole spectrum of the management of mineral resources, from fundamental research (e.g., ore forming processes, metallogenic syntheses, predictive mapping, etc.), including exploration, expertise, development of geological and mining infrastructures, management of after mine problems, to raw materials economy. The IT Division activity focuses on management of GeoScientific Information, from collection, collation, harmonization and diffusion, directly to user or through added-value services. First French public body to join Open Geospatial Consortium, the IT Division was also very active on the setting up of the INSPIRE directive.