Montenegro’s Ministry of Energy and Mining partners with Xcalibur Smart Mapping to advance the country’s national geoscience intelligence capabilities through its first airborne geophysical survey programme.

Once implemented, the programme would deliver decision-ready geoscientific data to support responsible resource management, environmental stewardship, and sustainable development in line with European standards.

“In order to manage our natural resources responsibly, we must first understand them. Montenegro possesses significant potential in terms of mineral resources, but our objective is not exploitation at any cost. On the contrary, through the application of the most advanced geological surveying technologies, we aim to assess the country’s actual resource potential so that every future decision is based on reliable data, fully aligned with the principles of sustainable development and the highest standards of environmental protection,” said Minister of Energy and Mining Admir Šahmanović on the occasion of the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of Energy and Mining of Montenegro and Xcalibur Smart Mapping.

The Memorandum establishes a framework for cooperation on the preparation of Montenegro’s National Airborne Geophysical Survey Programme, which, through the use of state-of-the-art technologies, is intended, subject to the completion of the necessary preparatory activities and securing appropriate financing, to enable the systematic collection of high-quality geophysical and geological data covering the entire territory of Montenegro for the first time. The project represents a major step forward in the modernisation of geological surveying, creating a national geoscientific knowledge base that will support evidence-based decision-making, responsible resource management, and sustainable economic development.

Minister Šahmanović emphasised that high-quality geological data are essential not only for gaining a better understanding of the country’s mineral potential, but also for making responsible development decisions that equally safeguard the environment and the public interest.

“We cannot make responsible decisions about the use of our territory without first understanding it. The airborne geophysical survey will provide us with a clearer picture of Montenegro’s geological structure, help identify the country’s mineral resources, and establish a solid foundation for future development policies. Only a country equipped with reliable and comprehensive data can make informed decisions, plan sustainable development, and ensure that every natural resource is utilised in full compliance with the highest environmental standards and with due regard for the interests of local communities.

It is particularly important that, through the implementation of this programme, Montenegro would significantly strengthen its national geoscientific data and institutional capacity through the implementation of such a comprehensive airborne geophysical survey.  These data will constitute a strategic national asset, providing a long-term foundation for evidence-based policymaking, responsible resource management, enhanced environmental protection, and the sustainable development of mineral resources.

This is also highly relevant in the context of European policies on critical raw materials. The European Union places strong emphasis on the identification, protection, and sustainable development of strategic and critical mineral resources, while ensuring strict compliance with the highest environmental standards. Montenegro is committed to being part of this process by relying on scientifically validated data, transparency, and responsible planning, fully aligned with European standards and international best practices,” the Minister stated.

He further noted that the results of the programme will contribute to the establishment of a modern national geological database, aligned with international standards, thereby strengthening the country’s institutional capacities, improving spatial planning, enhancing the protection of natural resources, and supporting more effective governance of the mining sector.

Xcalibur Smart Mapping is a global leader in geoscience intelligence and airborne geophysical mapping, supporting governments and public institutions in the sustainable management of natural resources through the acquisition, integration, and interpretation of high-quality geoscientific data. With extensive experience in delivering national-scale mapping programmes across Europe, Africa, Asia, and Latin America, the company provides decision-ready geospatial intelligence that underpins responsible resource management, environmental stewardship, and long-term strategic planning.

The Memorandum provides for cooperation in developing the technical concept of Montenegro’s National Airborne Geophysical Survey Programme, facilitating the exchange of professional knowledge and expertise, defining the survey methodology, and exploring potential financing models for the future implementation of the project.

“Reliable geoscientific data are the foundation of responsible decision-making. We are proud to support Montenegro in building a modern geoscience intelligence capability that will enable informed policies, sustainable resource management, and long-term value for future generations. At Xcalibur Smart Mapping, we believe that understanding the subsurface is the first step towards managing it responsibly,” said Víctor González, Vice President of Xcalibur Smart Mapping.

The signing of this Memorandum marks another important step in establishing a modern system for the management of Montenegro’s geological and mineral resources.

Understanding the country’s geological and mineral resource potential is not an objective in itself; it is the foundation for informed policymaking, responsible investment, environmental protection, and the sustainable development of Montenegro for the benefit of its citizens, its economy, and its European future.