Geosciences for a sustainable society

Science-based solutions are crucial for a more reasonable use of natural resources, to manage the impacts of environmental change and to build resilience to hazards. These topics, essential to sustain society’s needs, require geological mapping campaigns, geological models based on digital and physical data through archives, collections and new fieldwork activities, and a digital platform to host, share and exchange geological data.

During the construction of a building in Brussels, geologists and engineers drilled 250 meters deep, a new record for the Belgian capital. A geothermal heat pump was installed afterwards. (Photo: RBINS, Estelle Petitclerc)
During the construction of a building in Brussels, geologists and engineers drilled 250 meters deep, a new record for the Belgian capital. A geothermal heat pump was installed afterwards. (Photo: RBINS, Estelle Petitclerc)

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More about geosciences

Permanent exhibition

Mineral Hall

Allow yourself to delight in the splendid colours and gorgeous shapes of some of the finest pieces in our collection.

Geology Collections

Our geological collection spans no less than 4.5 billion years: from meteorites testifying of the beginnings of our solar system, rocks and minerals, to kilometres of drill cores that give us insight into how the subsurface is structured.

25/07/2022

The Geological Survey of Belgium celebrates its 125th birthday

On December 16th 2021, our Geological Survey of Belgium was exactly 125 years old. This important milestone was celebrated with a colloquium, a book, an award, a birthday cake and excursions.

24/09/2019

The 40km long drill core collection of the Belgian subsoil

Conservatories at Péronnes-lez-Binche in Hainaut house 40 km of drill cores. Collected over the last 150 years, these geological samples tell us about the composition of Belgium's subsoil.

11/06/2024

New Atlas shows where to find Critical Raw Materials in Belgium

A team of Belgian geologists has mapped out where critical raw materials, such as lithium for batteries, rare earths for wind turbines, and copper for power grids, can still be found in Belgium. “It’s time to explore our subsoil further,” says geologist Sophie Decrée.

09/08/2024

How Belgian porphyry paved the world

Did you know that cobblestones are porphyry, solidified magma? In the early 20th century, three Belgian villages were the largest source of porphyry in the world. Two geologists tell the history of porphyry extraction in our country in a richly illustrated book.