ERM at Minex Europe 2026

ERM at the event Hide

Session 4 - Data, Discovery and Research: Building Ireland's Next Generation of Mineral Projects

15:00 - 16:00 - Barbican Suite 2

Modern mineral discovery depends increasingly on the quality of geological data, scientific research and exploration technologies. Ireland has emerged as a leading centre for geoscience innovation through initiatives such as Geological Survey Ireland’s National Exploration Programme and the internationally recognised research activities of iCRAG. This session explores how government agencies, researchers and industry are working together to improve geological understanding, reduce exploration risk and accelerate the discovery of new mineral resources. Topics include national geoscience datasets, critical raw materials research, deep targeting methodologies, artificial intelligence, geophysical technologies and the growing role of digital tools in exploration. The session asks whether Ireland’s integrated approach to science, data and industry collaboration can help unlock the country’s next generation of mining opportunities while supporting Europe’s broader raw materials ambitions.

Speakers

Kevin Leahy - ERM
Jim Hodgson - Geological Survey Ireland
Eoin McGrath - Geological Survey Ireland
Olivia Rhind - ALS

Speakers Hide

Kevin Leahy

Associate Partner

Kevin is an Associate Technical Partner in ERM’s Asset Management team, with a focus on the sustainability of mining projects. Dr Leahy joined ERM in 2003 and is a Chartered Geologist with 30 years’ experience and a PhD on kimberlite geochemistry in Canada. He has a diverse earth science background including geochemistry, sedimentology, structural geology, soil science, hydrogeology and exploration field work. Formerly, he was a consultant in both mineral and hydrocarbon exploration industries and has worked in the field globally. At ERM, he has worked or led on numerous projects including hydrogeochemical exploration, environmental and social impact assessment, mine feasibility and NI 43-101 reporting as a QP, ESG transaction due diligence, closure and life cycle planning, site investigation and remediation, compliance auditing and resource exploration. Kevin has presented at numerous conferences on diverse topics such as mine closure, assessment and financial provision of environmental social issues in mine transaction due diligence, contaminant fate and transport and exploration hydrogeochemistry. He is currently collaborating with iCRAG on the application of exploration hydrogeochemical techniques developed at ERM on datasets across Ireland.