Expert Forum: Launch of the Exploration & Mining SIGN
A side event of The Mining and Mineral Halls (MMH)
VI Mining and Minerals Hall (MMH) 2026
Mining: a strategic pillar for the future of Europe
Taking place in Seville from 20–22 October 2026, the Mining & Minerals Hall (MMH) is one of Europe’s major events for the mining and minerals sector, bringing together an international community through a combination of exhibition, scientific congress and programmes focused on outreach and innovation. The 2026 edition will return with a reinforced format, showcasing the latest developments across the sector, high-level perspectives on mineral raw materials, an Innovation Hub, and activities designed to engage the next generation of professionals and the wider public. Selected participants of the Expert Forum will receive complimentary access to the event. For this edition, those accepted will also receive a ticket to the MMH Expo, hosted at the same venue.
Under the theme “Mining: a strategic pillar for the future of Europe,” MMH provides a unique meeting point for industry, technology providers, researchers, policymakers, investors and other key stakeholders to debate challenges, exchange perspectives and build common solutions.
For the Exploration & Mining Expert Forum, MMH offers more than a venue: it provides a strategic setting at the heart of Europe’s mining ecosystem. Bringing the Forum into this environment connects the discussion directly with the companies, technologies, investors and experts shaping the sector’s future, creating valuable opportunities for dialogue, exchange and collaboration.
About the Expert Forum
The EIT RawMaterials Strategic Impact Groups & Networks (SIGNs) provide a powerful platform to help companies navigate these complex challenges and secure a competitive edge by accessing innovative technologies, a skilled workforce, public and private funding and connect with a global community driving knowledge and innovation in the raw materials sector. SIGNs also act as a sounding board for policymakers, bringing industry perspectives and expertise into the development of European policy.
At MMH 2026, EIT RawMaterials will officially launch the new Exploration & Mining SIGN, bringing together key stakeholders from across the global exploration, mining and mineral processing ecosystem, with a particular focus on the European ecosystem.
As a dedicated side event of MMH 2026, the Exploration & Mining Expert Forum will represent the founding meeting of the new SIGN. Through high-level discussions and interactive sessions, participants will exchange knowledge and best practices, explore priority themes and contribute to a shared roadmap and community-driven agenda that will shape the SIGN’s future activities.
The discussions will address some of the key challenges and opportunities facing the sector, including innovation, investment, permitting, sustainability, policy, social licence to operate and skills, with the ambition to foster collaboration, accelerate innovation and strengthen a competitive, responsible and resilient European exploration and mining sector.
Why Attend?
Share your ideas, challenge existing thinking and contribute to shaping the future of European exploration and mining. This is not just a place to listen - it is a place to influence the conversation and help drive meaningful change.
Connect with the key players shaping the entire exploration, mining and mineral processing ecosystem - from industry leaders and start-ups to academia, policymakers, investors, technology providers and project developers. Meet the people who have the knowledge, resources and influence to turn ambition into change.
Engage in open, cross-sector discussions designed to connect different perspectives, identify common challenges and build a shared roadmap for the next generation of European exploration and mining. Because transforming the sector requires a common direction.
Move beyond discussion and discover new partnerships, technologies, investment opportunities and practical solutions that can help projects move forward. Leave with new connections, new perspectives and concrete opportunities to turn ideas into impact.
Format
The Expert Forum kicks off with a networking reception at the EIT RawMaterials booth in the MMH exhibition area on 20 October.
The main conference day on 21 October combines keynotes, panels and fireside chats in the morning, bringing together leading voices from across the exploration, mining and mineral processing ecosystem. In the afternoon, World Café sessions will take the discussions further, creating an interactive space to exchange perspectives, explore challenges and work towards shared ideas and solutions.
On 22 October, participants will have the opportunity to join an optional site visit to Atalaya Mining, bringing the conversation from the conference room to a real mining operation.
Who Should Attend?
The Expert Forum brings together the key players shaping the future of European exploration, mining and mineral processing.
It is designed for:
- Mining and junior exploration companies
- Mineral processing companies
- Mining equipment, technology and solution providers across exploration, mining and mineral processing
- Research organisations and academia
- Industry associations and public institutions
- Investors and financial institutions
- NGOs and other stakeholders shaping the sector
Whether you are developing a project, providing the technology, investing in the next generation of mining, conducting research or shaping policy, this is a place to connect with the people who can help move the industry forward.
Agenda
| Day 1 – 20 October | |
|---|---|
| 16:00 - 18:00 | Networking reception at EIT RawMaterials booth |
| Day 2 – 21 October | |
| 8:00 - 8:55 | Registration |
| 8:55 - 9:00 | Welcome |
| 9:00 - 9:40 | Transforming perceptions, securing supplies: Preparing Europe for a new mining era |
| 9:40 - 9:50 | Europe’s mining opportunity: Why this Strategic Impact Group Network (SIGN) can drive change |
| 9:50 - 10:20 | The human side of mining’s future: How to fill the gaps |
| 11:00 - 11:30 | Coffee break |
| 11:30 - 11:50 | From social license to permits: Turning trust into action |
| 11:50 - 12:30 | What is mining really? Redefining the industry for the next generation |
| 12:30 - 13:00 | Investing in mining: Turning risk into strategic opportunity |
| 13:00 - 13:10 | Conclusion on first session and presentation of afternoon activities |
| 13:10 - 14:00 | Lunch break |
| 14:00 - 14:40 | World Cafe Workstation 1 – four parallel groups |
| 14:40 - 14:50 | Coffee break |
| 14:50 - 15:30 | World Cafe Workstation 2 – four parallel groups |
| 15:40 - 15:40 | Coffee break |
| 15:40 - 15:50 | World Cafe Workstation 3 – four parallel groups |
| 15:50 - 16:30 | Coffee break |
| 16:30 - 17:10 | World Cafe Workstation 4 – four parallel groups |
| 17:10 - 17:40 | Coffee break |
| 17:40 - 17:50 | World Cafe conclusions / SIGNS next steps |
| 17:50 - 18:00 | Q&A / Wrap up |
| 18:00 - 20:00 | Refreshments at venue |
| Day 3 – 22 October | |
| 10:00 - 14:00 | Field visit - Mine excursion at Atalaya Mining (Rio Tinto Mine) |
*Agenda may be subject to change.
Hotels
Stay at one of our participating hotels to benefit from preferred rates, great amenities, and close access to the Mining and Mineral Halls (MMH) in Seville, while making the most of your networking opportunities at the Exploration & Mining Expert Forum.
Apply To Attend
Selected participants receive complimentary access to the Exploration & Mining SIGN Expert Forum, connecting them directly with the industry leaders, investors and policymakers shaping Europe's mining future.
