The Flemish Government has published a tender for geophysical investigation in the Brabant Massif to support exploration of critical raw materials and deep geothermal energy. Bids under this tender will be accepted until 14 October 2026. More information and relevant documents can be accessed via the EU Tenders Portal.

This contract involves carrying out gravimetric and magnetotelluric measurements in the Brabant Massif (Flanders) as part of geological exploration for mineralisation and deep geothermal energy. At the same time, the new data will provide further insight into the internal structure, composition and geodynamic history of the Brabant Massif.

The contract focuses on two study areas and comprises a fixed portion and a conditional portion. If it is decided to proceed with the conditional portion, this will be communicated in writing by the official responsible for the contract.

The first study area (approx. 11–16 km²) is located in the south-western part of Flemish Brabant. The study area includes various geological structures and features that are relevant to further exploration, including the Nieuwpoort-Asquempont Fault Zone, the Asquempont Lineament, hypabyssal and possibly plutonic intrusions, and polysulphide mineralisation identified in existing boreholes.

To better map the structures and their interrelationships, additional geophysical investigation is considered necessary before defining a focus area for further investigation in the next phase of the Exploration Program, potentially followed by drilling a borehole, depending on the results and available funding. More specifically, under this contract, additional gravimetric measurements are to be carried out to refine the existing data and achieve an average resolution of 4 measurements per km², supplemented by magnetotelluric (MT) measurements along several transects through the study area.

The gravimetric measurements and half of the MT measurements constitute the fixed (minimum) portion of these specifications.

The second half of the MT measurements forms part of the conditional portion of these specifications. Southern West Flanders is a potential second study area. This area is a prospecting area for deep geothermal energy. At this stage of the exploration, the aim is to use MT measurements to obtain a clearer picture of the geological structure of the study area, with particular attention to the location and potential waterbearing nature of the fault zones.

Carrying out the measurements and processing the raw data into an interpretable result form the core of this contract. The contractor shall provide an initial, large-scale interpretation of the results obtained, but detailed interpretation and further follow-up of the Exploration Program do not form part of this contract.