Catherine Lagneau, BRGM Chair and CEO.
© BRGM
On 18 July, the State Court of Auditors issued its report on BRGM. Which points stood out to you among its recommendations?
Catherine Lagneau: The Court of Auditors' report highlights BRGM's involvement in the national research ecosystem, supporting ecological and energy transition and sovereignty, its actions in support of major public policies, its unique position as a digital operator, and finally the sharp rise in the challenges it faces and the tensions arising from its business model.
Firstly, it recommends that BRGM maintain the quality of its expertise in response to new priorities related to decarbonisation and energy transition. The institution's business model is based on a balance between research and consultancy requiring this expertise. It is vital to maintain this balance so that the institution remains at the highest level and that the need to support public policy and international-level research feed into a virtuous circle.
Published on the same day as another report by the Court of Auditors dedicated to securing supplies of critical minerals and metals, the report highlights the role played by BRGM in this area.
C. L.: The accelerating pace of geopolitical change and the emergence of new industrial needs linked to the energy transition and digital products have led the government to establish a new strategy for securing the industrial supply of mineral raw materials.
BRGM obviously has a central role to play in this area, supporting the Interministerial Delegation for Strategic Minerals and Metals (DIAMMS) in both national and international arenas. The French government has entrusted the updating of the mineral inventory (IRM) to BRGM, which also runs OFREMI, the French observatory of mineral resources for industrial sectors. We also provide support for mineral diplomacy, as well as research, development and innovation in novel exploration and mining technologies.
The ongoing geological mining revival poses a challenge for the institution, which had not been heavily involved in this segment over the last three decades. In this context, the Court of Auditors considers that the French Geological Survey must have more resources at its disposal to enable it to cope with the changing nature of its tasks.
The growing importance of the issues BRGM is tasked with addressing has led to a sharp increase in its activity (+20% in two years). The ground and subsurface are, by their very nature, the foundation of our sovereignty. The natural resources they contain are essential to our development, and climate hazards increase the risks, so we need to be prepared.
On the issue of resources, the State Court of Auditors notes that growing demands from public authorities are increasing the burden placed on BRGM. What are your thoughts on the matter?
C. L.: The growing number of issues that BRGM is tasked with addressing (risks, water, minerals, subsurface energy, etc.) has led to a sharp increase in its activity (+20% in two years). The ground and subsurface are, by their very nature, the foundation of our sovereignty. The natural resources they contain are essential for supporting our development, and climate hazards increase the risks, so we need to be prepared.
In response to its increasing activities, BRGM is undertaking internal restructuring efforts to become even more agile, efficient and effective, and better able to prioritise: this is the challenge facing the new organisation set up in early 2025, which is designed to more closely match our scientific strategy, simplify internal operations and shorten decision-making times.
In addition to this effort, the financing of BRGM's fundamental missions as the French Geological Survey – starting with the collection, classification, archiving and provision of subsurface data – must be the subject of a financing strategy, as must the management of post-mining activities, which is an essential prerequisite for the acceptability of any potential resumption of mining.
In a context of budgetary constraints, strategic dialogue with BRGM’s supervisory ministries must continue in order to clarify its priorities and expected role, so that it can maintain its position as a major national geological agency, fully committed to serving the country.
