Public Outreach

The Flemish Government is taking action to inform the general public about the natural mineral resources of the Flemish subsoil. The Government also communicates about the importance of the sector for the Flemish industry in general and the building industry in particular.

One of the communicative actions taken was the development of an educational tool to inform youth in secondary schools on natural mineral resources and the different aspects of the exploitation of these resources. The potential uses of the deep subsoil such as gas and radioactive storage, and geothermics are highlighted as well. This tool consists of a website www.ikdoorgrondvlaanderen.be which can be used during geography courses, but which is also instructive for others who are interested in the subsurface of Flanders.

It is hoped that the use of this website will increase pupils’ awareness of the importance of primary mineral resources, and the extractive industry, which in the long term could lead to a more positive attitude of the general public towards mineral extraction in Flanders.

By exploring the website, pupils gain a good insight into the geology of the Flemish Region and become aware of the importance of natural mineral resources and their applications.