BRGM, the French geological survey, is France’s leading public institution for Earth Science applications for the management of surface and sub-surface resources with a view to sustainable development.

Under partnerships with numerous public and private stakeholders, BRGM focuses on scientific research, expertise and innovation. Its activity meets 4 objectives:

  • understanding geological phenomena and related risks,
  • developing new techniques and methodologies,
  • producing and distributing data for surface, subsurface and resource management,
  • providing the tools required to manage the surface, subsurface and resources, prevent risks and pollution, and manage policies in response to climate change.

BRGM, the French geological survey

BRGM is France’s leading public institution for Earth Science applications for the management of surface and sub-surface resources. Its activity is in line with 6 major scientific and societal challenges.

© BRGM

BRGM's action is in line with 6 major scientific and societal challenges:

  • Geology and knowledge of the subsurface
  • Groundwater management
  • Risks and spatial planning
  • Mineral resources and the circular economy
  • Subsurface potential for the energy transition
  • Digital data, services and infrastructure
Download the “BRGM at a glance” brochure
Lacs d'altitude dans le Massif d'Aneto, Hautes-Pyrénées Lacs d'altitude dans le Massif d'Aneto, Hautes-Pyrénées

BRGM, a public industrial and commercial institution

The BRGM (Bureau de Recherches Géologiques et Minières) was created in 1959. It operates as a public industrial and commercial institution, reporting to the Ministries in charge of Research, Ecology and the Economy.

See the decree setting out BRGM’s administrative and financial organisation

The 6 major societal challenges that structure BRGM's activity

A geology field survey in Malawi A geology field survey in Malawi
Geology and knowledge of the subsurface
Producing reference information on the subsurface is a key role for BRGM as the French Geological Survey. The sustainable management of land and resources on local and regional levels requires extens…
The Jonquilles River, Corrèze The Jonquilles River, Corrèze
Groundwater management
In response to the challenges of global change, knowledge, monitoring and anticipation of groundwater resource availability and quality is a key activity for BRGM.
Dommages dus au séisme de Lorca, Espagne Dommages dus au séisme de Lorca, Espagne
Risks and spatial planning
For more sustainable spatial planning, BRGM develops integrated approaches to the management of natural risks, as well as the risks resulting from human activity, related to post-mining, polluted sit…
Mount Weld rare earth mine, Australia Mount Weld rare earth mine, Australia
Mineral resources and the circular economy
Confronted with increasing pressures on mineral resources, BRGM is working for a responsible procurement and for a more circular economy.
View of a factory and its chimneys emitting smoke View of a factory and its chimneys emitting smoke
Subsurface potential for the energy transition
BRGM explores and assesses the performance of the subsurface and harnesses its potential as an energy resource (geothermal energy) and a space for storage (energy carriers, CO2) and confinement.
BRGM geoscientific databases and data dissemination websites BRGM geoscientific databases and data dissemination websites
Digital data, services and infrastructure
BRGM collects, hosts and disseminates geological and environmental data, a raw material in its own right for a new scientific field.
Terre aux sept couleurs, Ile Maurice Terre aux sept couleurs, Ile Maurice

Key figures

  • 1053.00
    members of staff, including over 750 engineers and researchers

  • 19.00
    countries of operation in 2022

  • 27.00
    agencies in mainland and overseas France

2022 activity