Historical Overview
The Geological Survey by state authorities in
Greece was essentially initiated,in the 1930’s, by the
Geological Service of the Ministry of National
Economy.
Thenceforth, and up to 1952, different services had
undertaken, in succesion, the responsibility and
competency of the geological investigation of our
country.
Their activity, however, was not systematic in
character.
So, 1952 may be considered the birth year of the
geological survey by State authorities in Greece, with
the foundation of the Institute of Geology and
Subsurface Research (IGSR), which has undertaken, for
the first time, the systematic survey of the Greek
territory in the basic branches of geological sciences.
Its successors comprise the National Institute of
Geology and Mining Research (NIGMR) in
1972, followed by the Institute of Geology and Mineral
Exploration (IGME).
IGME was first founded in 1976, and by legislation is
the State’s technical adviser in geoscientific matters.
Its fundamental aims is the geological study of the
country, and the exploration -evaluation of the mineral
raw materials(except hydrocarbons) and groundwater
resources.
This aim is accomplished by the activities of its
divisions, according to the general directions drawn by
the Minister of Industry, in the framework of the
Goverment’s mining policy.
IGME also cooperates with other Services in
Greece and abroad, through bilateral co-operation of
joint research programmes.
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