Europe is about to become more attractive for the exploration of minerals. In the framework of the EU-funded INFACT project, partners drawn from research and industry are developing innovative, non-invasive exploration technologies and will test them under realistic conditions. The project aims at developing technologies that are more acceptable to society and that will invigorate and equip the exploration industry, unlocking unrealised potential in new and mature areas. For this purpose, three European reference areas are being established in Germany (Geyer), Finland (Sakatti) and Spain (Minas de Ríotinto, Gerena).