Key moments from Athens consortium meeting and Kakavos mine visit
By Eleni Natsi (CORE Innovation Centre)
In-person meetings hold an undeniable charm that surpasses their online counterparts, as they provide a unique opportunity for individuals to unite, exchange ideas, and foster meaningful connections. Such was the essence of our 14-month consortium meeting held in the vibrant city of Athens, the sunny capital of Greece, from January 23rd to 24th.
Throughout the event, we delved into various work packages, explored different use cases, and meticulously planned our next significant strides forward. The climax of our gathering was a delightful dinner set against the backdrop of a picturesque location with a breathtaking view of the Acropolis, encapsulating the perfect blend of productivity and camaraderie.
A standout moment occurred on the second day when we embarked on a special visit to Kakavos mine in Mantoudi, Evia, Greece - operated by TERNA MAG, a subsidiary of GEK TERNA Group of Companies. Our journey commenced from the heart of Athens, with a bus ride leading us to Mantoudi, a town in the northern part of Evia island.
Initiated in the early twentieth century, mining activities near Mantoudi witnessed their peak from 1947 to 1996, primarily focused on producing and exporting high-class refractory bricks. In 2010, GEK TERNA GROUP acquired the business, and by 2014, through TERNA MAG subsidiary, they initiated a business plan to revive the mining tradition in the area producing various magnesite and magnesia products (in powder or granular form). Today, TERNA MAG S.A. operates open pits and underground mines in Kakavos and Gerorema areas, respectively, both located less than 15 km away of Mantoudi town. The industrial facilities of TERNA MAG, based in Mantoudi, house a rotary kiln and a herreshoff furnace, along with relevant post-processing equipment.
Our heartfelt gratitude extends to TERNA MAG for their exceptional management of the meeting and for providing us with an insightful tour of the Kakavos mine.
Stay tuned for more updates on the groundbreaking MASTERMINE project as we pave the way for the digital and green European mine of the future!
