knowledge and innovation

for exploration of critical raw materials

Smart Exploration Research Center (SERC) conducts multidisciplinary research on strategic and critical metals and minerals, adressing issues concerning the green energy transition and climate action.

Funded by the Swedish Foundation for Strategic Research (SSF) from 2024 to 2029, and led by Uppsala University, the Center aims to undertake fundamental and innovative research with significant national and international implications. Its primary goal is to ensure a responsible, socially acceptable, resilient, and sustainable supply of critical raw materials (CRMs).

It comprises a consortium of key academic and industrial partners in Sweden, bringing together expertise from four universities, three mining companies, four technology and solution providers and one regional business developer. The members possess diverse skills among which, economic and structural geology, geophysics, technology, nanotechnology, robotic solutions, data analytics, drilling technologies, safety and ethics, environmental and social governance (ESG), and sustainable development goals (SDGs).

Highlights
  • 2026-09-17 12:00

    17/09/26

    SERC Webinar series: Tom Wesby, First Quantum Minerals Ltd.

    Join us for the 3rd seminar in the SERC webinar series on 01 October with Tom Wesby from First Quantum Minerals Ltd. presenting 'Lessons and mistakes from an early career in exploration'

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  • 2026-08-20 12:00

    20/08/26

    24-28 August: General assembly 2026

    We are getting ready to kick-off this year's general assembly, hosted at Tyréns' facilities in Stockholm! Click "read more" to access the full programme.

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  • 2026-08-03 10:00

    03/08/26

    Seismic survey at Viscaria mines in Kiruna, 08-21 August 2026

    During August, the Exploration Geophysics group at Uppsala University will conduct a seismic survey at the Viscaria mine in Kiruna, northern Sweden

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Smart Exploration // Research Center

Critical to our critical
raw materials

The Centre focuses on bridging knowledge gaps by developing new technologies and scientific methods for innovative CRM exploration. It aims to provide Sweden with cutting-edge exploration solutions while establishing itself as a global hub for high-quality scientific research, attracting both mining companies and young professionals. Additionally, the Centre plans to facilitate further research and development activities through thematic proposals with its partners and supporting companies.

To expand its operations and initiatives, the Centre intends to generate additional R&D and scoping works via its partners and support companies though thematic proposals. Additional funds will be generated through royalty fees and common projects of interests, across different geological domains inside Sweden and in the Nordic regions.

About us   The center

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