NGU Strategic plan 2012 - 2015

STRATEGIC PLAN FOR 2012-2015

GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF NORWAY

GEOLOGY FOR SOCIETY

GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF NORWAY Telephone: E-mail: Web address:

+47 73 90 40 00 ngu@ngu.no www.ngu.no

Text: Bente Figenschou Amundsen Tom Heldal Graphic design: Mads Chalmer Rasmussen

4-7 INTRODUCTION WE LOOK AT CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES / 5 OUR MOTTO AND OUR VALUES / 5 OUR CONTRACT WITH SOCIETY / 6

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VALUE CREATION THROUGH PRODUCTION OF KNOWLEDGE TARGET 1: LONG-TERM ADDED VALUE FROM GEOLOGICAL RESOURCES / 9 TARGET 2: INCREASED USE OF GEOSCIENCE KNOWLEDGE IN LAND-USE PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT / 10 TARGET 3: BETTER KNOWLEDGE OF GEOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENT AND PROCESSES IN NORWAY / 13 TARGET 4: GOOD MANAGEMENT AND CUSTOMIZATION OF GEOLOGICAL KNOWLEDGE / 14

16-17 GETTING KNOWLEDGE OUT TO THE PUBLIC TARGET 5: GOOD COMMUNICATION AND DISSEMINATION OF GEOLOGICAL KNOWLEDGE / 17

18-19 CO-WORKERS & ORGANISATION TARGET 6: IMPROVING EFFECTIVENESS THROUGH COOPERATION / 18

GEOLOGY FOR SOCIETY Our motto is Geology for Society. Our strategic plan states that NGU’s knowledge creates values, saves money and helps to make the community safer. Geological raw materials are found in everything we surround ourselves with, from mobile phones, PC’s, cars and windmills to make-up, paint and paper.

Our knowledge puts others in a position to take wise decisions that are advantageous for the whole community.

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INTRODUCTION

WE LOOK AT CHALLENGES & OPPORTUNITIES Our society is changing all the time. The population is growing, we live closer to one another than before and we seek greater prosperity, better welfare and more safety. We see that the Earth’s resources are limited and that the way we live has consequences for the climate and the environment. The global society faces huge challenges. Geological knowledge is absolutely essential if we are to meet many of these challenges. It is important if the mineral resources on which we depend in everyday life are to be available.

It is important for good access to clean

water and for efficient food production.

It is important to understand and deal with changes in the environment, and to develop renewable sources of energy and reduce the consequences of natural disasters.

The main challenges facing NGU are to acquire, organise and impart geological knowledge which society requires so that it can be converted into wise, comprehensive decisions that are advantageous for the community as a whole.

OUR MOTTO & OUR VALUES ›› Geology for Society ‹‹ is NGU’s motto.

The knowledge held by NGU creates values, saves the Norwegian society large sums of money and helps to make Norway a safer place in which to live. The secret of NGU’s success lies in converting our data into practical, readily accessible knowledge that places others in a position to make the correct choices. This is the basis for our motto, ›› Geology for Society. ‹‹

The intention is that NGU will be relevant, innovatory and available to everyone. We must not stand forth as a mouthpiece for groups or individuals with special agendas, but promote overall understanding.

NGU’s products and services must be easy to use.

NGU is characterised by high expertise, openness, involvement and clarity. The NGU staff are keen to cooperate, see possibilities and take responsibility.

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INTRODUCTION

OUR CONTRACT WITH SOCIETY ›› NGU must gather, work up and impart knowledge on the physical, chemical and mineralogical properties of Norwegian bedrock, surficial deposits and groundwater. ‹‹

able access to natural resources. Geoscientific knowledge must be obtained that is so good that society can employ the best and most sustainable solutions for development.

NGU is internationally oriented and has good relations with other national geological surveys. It must be an advocate for European cooperation through EuroGeoSurveys (EGS).

This is the preamble to the NGU statutes formulated by the Norwegian Ministry of Trade and Industry. Mapping and research must obtain geological knowledge about Norwegian land and marine areas which the users must receive in the form of maps, national databases and publications.

We must understand the reaction of the Earth to the way mankind impacts the environment so that the state of the environment improves and the risks attached to landslides and other geohazards are reduced.

›› Research today creates values in the future. ‹‹

›› It is the total value creation in the country that determines the level of prosperity and welfare in Norway. The Government’s industrial policy therefore aims to have the highest possible value creation in the Norwegian economy. ‹‹ NGU’s foremost task, to help raise value creation, is anchored in this objective stated by the Ministry of Trade and Industry. NGU is a research-based management agency reporting to the Ministry of Trade and Industry, and specialists in other ministries when it comes to geoscientific matters.

NGU must ensure that up-to-date knowledge is available to help society gain reli-

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›› We must put others in a better position to solve their problems. ‹‹ NGU is a flexible organisation which places great emphasis on good cooperation with other institutions. By cooperating, we will enhance the quality and increase the breadth and effect of our knowledge.

During the term of this strategic plan, we will further improve our cooperation with business and industry, public agencies and regional authorities. NGU places particular emphasis on accommodating knowledge for industrial development and resource management. It must improve cooperation within existing agreements and actively seek new cooperative relationships with other public institutions that have tasks within its sphere of activity.

To achieve the targets in the strategic plan requires a fundamental understanding of geological, geophysical and geochemical processes that have shaped the Earth and continue to influence it.

The quality and relevance of NGU’s work must, among other ways, be ensured through targeted research and mapping in cooperation with universities and research institutions in Norway and other countries. NGU’s research projects must help to solve prioritised national challenges and be relevant for our basic activity. Research and mapping ensure that we provide society with valuable knowledge which we manage and impart as a benefit to everyone.

PAPER The paper you are holding may contain upwards of 55 per cent of marble. Pure marble is mixed in with the paper to reduce its translucence, make it whiter, smoother and more receptive to ink. NGU has mapped more than a hundred marble deposits around the country, and Norway is now one of the largest exporters in Europe.

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SPOON A good, small spoon containing lead can be cast a long way and is very useful to have on a summer fishing trip. The robust and physical properties of lead and tungsten are precisely what make them so well suited for various items. Tungsten is a comparatively rare metal in Norway, but NGU knows where the deposits are.

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TARGET 1.

VALUE CREATION THROUGH PRODUCTION OF KNOWLEDGE

LONG-TERM ADDED VALUE FROM GEOLOGICAL RESOURCES Throughout our history, the exploitation of geological resources has been a driving force in developing prosperity, and this will continue to be the case in the future.

NGU acquires knowledge that helps us to find, manage and utilise the geological resources in a sustainable manner.

During the term of this strategic plan, NGU will put priority on acquiring valuable basic data that are essential for finding new geological resources. NGU offers high-quality geoscientific databases and digital services that help to increase our

knowledge of Norwegian mineral resources.

The intention is that NGU will help to implement the Government’s strategy on mineral resources, in part through a programme called ‘Mineral resources in northern Norway (MINN)’. This programme aims to increase our knowledge about mineral deposits and the possibilities for value creation in this part of the country through geophysical, geochemical and geological mapping.

DURING THE TERM OF THE STRATEGIC PLAN, NGU MUST ++ Complete the MINN programme. ++ Increase the coverage of high-resolution geophysical data over mainland Norway by nearly 1/3. ++ Acquire and interpret regional geophysical data on the Norwegian continental shelf and coastal areas. ++ Acquire geological knowledge to exploit geothermal energy and geothermal heat.

++ Strengthen the R&D effort on mineral resources, including knowledge about special metals and metal recycling (”urban mining”).

++ Pave the way for effective production and increased export of metals, industrial minerals, building raw materials and natural stone.

++ Extend the national drill-core store and improve the offer to industrial companies.

++ Strengthen the cooperation with governmental and municipal management agencies regarding nationally important mineral deposits.

++ Strengthen the national and regional management of Norwegian groundwater resources by obtaining essential background data and presenting information on www.grunnvann.no.

++ Be an advocate for, and a participant in, broader Nordic and European cooperation on mineral resources.

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TARGET 2.

VALUE CREATION THROUGH PRODUCTION OF KNOWLEDGE

INCREASED USE OF GEOSCIENCE KNOWLEDGE IN LAND-USE PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT NGU must have an active role as a supplier of knowledge linked with the administration of the Minerals Act, the Planning and Building Act, the Water Resources Act and the Nature Diversity Act. Geoscientific knowledge in land-use management and development saves money and helps to make the community safer. NGU works in a number of spheres where our data have great utility value, and it develops new knowledge to meet new challenges in society.

Good management requires that knowledge about nationally and regionally important geological resources is available and taken into account when decisions

are being taken regarding conservation, development and other forms of landuse.

As a participant in the MAREANO programme, NGU is surveying the depths, seabed conditions, habitats and contamination in Norwegian maritime areas along with the Norwegian Institute for Marine Research and the Hydrographic Service of the Norwegian Mapping Authority. The results are valuable for fisheries and aquaculture, petroleum activities and environmental management. Experience gained from the MAREANO programme should form the basis for plans to survey the seabed conditions in the coastal zone in the

years ahead.

In cooperation with the Norwegian Water Resources and Energy Directorate, NGU is surveying areas that are at risk for landslides and avalanches, with emphasis on landslides, rock falls, quick-clay slides and earth slides. NGU assists the Directorate by developing methodology, imparting information and giving geoscientific advice on landslide protection, monitoring and preparedness. NGU has responsibility for developing the National Landslide Database and organises the imparting of information on landslides.

DURING THE TERM OF THE STRATEGIC PLAN, NGU MUST ++ Continue the survey work in the MAREANO programme and set up a new programme to survey the coastal zone. ++ Prepare information on nationally and regionally valuable geological resources. ++ Obtain and provide geological knowledge linked with the Nature Diversity Act. 10

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++ Map areas that are hazardous with respect to radon and where radon is present in building raw materials, and increase the production of radon awareness maps. ++ Obtain new knowledge about the spread of pollutants, including runoff from mines and waste dumps. ++ Provide knowledge on quick clay and problematic zones in bedrock in con-

nection with road-building and tunnelling projects, and produce awareness maps for those planning tunnels. ++ Develop new products for use in landuse planning (subsoil drilling, thickness of surficial deposits, geological heritage and marine geological themes).

BUILDING BLOCKS The popular building blocks are made of organic raw materials, but the properties of the plastic are largely determined by minerals that are added to it. One of these is talc, which enhances the strength and flexibility of the blocks. Norway has many talc deposits and NGU recently found one of the largest in the world.

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3D GLASSES Modern 3D glasses employ LCD technology and the increased use of this technology requires more extraction of the element indium. NGU obtains information on Norwegian zinc and copper deposits, the foremost sources of indium.

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TARGET 3.

VALUE CREATION THROUGH PRODUCTION OF KNOWLEDGE

BETTER KNOWLEDGE OF GEOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENT AND PROCESSES IN NORWAY Fundamental geological understanding of how Norway is built up and geological processes is increasingly decisive for being able to develop good geoscientific products and services. NGU must therefore carry out extensive mapping of the bedrock, surficial deposits and groundwater. Through high-quality research, NGU must increase basic knowledge and develop a 4D understanding of Norwegian geology.

Future climate change will be important

for the way society develops. NGU must help to enhance our understanding of the relationship between climate change and geology.

cooperation, NGU must develop new geoscientific knowledge about the northern regions.

NGU’s laboratory must be a competent and efficient provider for tasks which NGU prioritises.

Knowledge about the northern regions is an important aspect of the political commitment made by Norwegian authorities. Through national and international

DURING THE TERM OF THE STRATEGIC PLAN, NGU MUST ++ Map the bedrock, surficial deposits and groundwater in prioritised areas. ++ Increase our knowledge about the ecological importance of groundwater, groundwater chemistry and how changes in the water table level affect the stability of bedrock and surficial deposits. ++ Carry out integrated geoscientific projects at the transition between land and the continental shelf to enhance our understanding of sedimentary basins and landscapes.

++ Increase the geoscientific understanding of mineral resource provinces in northern Norway through integrated mapping and research-based projects. ++ Increase our knowledge of present-day geological processes and past geology, and develop geological models for future changes in climate, landscape and the environment. ++ Increase our knowledge of the geology of the northern regions through national and international research cooperation.

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TARGET 4.

VALUE CREATION THROUGH PRODUCTION OF KNOWLEDGE

GOOD MANAGEMENT AND CUSTOMIZATION OF GEOLOGICAL KNOWLEDGE Managing geoscientific knowledge and data is one of NGU’s core tasks. The increasing volume of data acquired must be looked after, stored and managed in a way that makes it usable today and for generations to come.

In addition to printed products, NGU offers data through map services, fact sheets and downloadable data sets that use current standards and which the users can utilise in their own systems. To enable as many as possible to use our data for

purposes that are useful for society, they must be openly available, downloadable and free.

NGU develops standardised data deliveries and services for national and international management authorities through Norway Digital, the Norwegian government’s basic cartographic data store, in accordance with current standards and guidelines given in the EU INSPIRE Directive (cf. the Geodata Act).

DURING THE TERM OF THE STRATEGIC PLAN, NGU MUST ++ Further develop existing databases and services in line with current standards and the needs of the users. ++ Renew and accommodate tools and services in pace with technological development. ++ Develop and maintain metadata and product specifications for all geological data that are distributed.

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++ Develop and accommodate new databases and digital guides for the users. ++ Further develop quality systems and establish tools and routines for a digital work flow ”from the field to the people” within NGU’s core areas.

MOBILE PHONES Ordinary mobile phones contain about 60 different minerals and metals, including rare earth elements (REE). Since China extracts 97 per cent of the world’s growing consumption of REE, it is important for NGU to find more deposits and focus on recycling.

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THE PENCIL The pencil was a fantastic invention when it was made. The mineral graphite is needed to make a pencil, and graphite is mined on the island of Senja in northern Norway. Graphite has a number of other uses which make it indispensable in the future, even if we do away with the pencil.

It is an important component of modern batteries, for example. NGU maps graphite deposits in Norway.

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TARGET 5.

GETTING KNOWLEDGE OUT TO THE PUBLIC

GOOD COMMUNICATION AND DISSEMINATION OF GEOLOGICAL KNOWLEDGE NGU must help more and more people to discover and realise that geology is useful. It must use precise means to communicate knowledge about geological processes, resources and hazards to important target groups: the business community, politicians, county and municipal authorities, ministries and government management agencies, universities, schools and the general public. NGU’s communication must be clear, accommodated and useful. NGU must be open, professional and active when it meets the

media. www.ngu.no is our main channel for imparting information.

NGU staff must be active imparters of information, whether it is in scientific publishing, database services, popularisation, advising or everyday communication with partners, users and the media.

impart knowledge that can form the basis for decisions taken by the authorities and to develop national industrial policy.

Systematic and targeted contact with society will ensure that increasing numbers of people will become aware of the relevance of geology for their own well-being, prosperity and development.

NGU must improve its cooperation with other public agencies to create and exploit professional and administrative synergistic effects. NGU must acquire and

DURING THE TERM OF THE STRATEGIC PLAN, NGU MUST ++ Implement a new communication strategy and establish new communication channels and products. ++ Maintain a good national and international geoscientific network. ++ Publicise NGU’s prioritised tasks and projects. ++ Help to enhance interest for the geosciences.

++ Ensure good preparedness and crisis handling through an efficient flow of information and good advice to other agencies. ++ Make people aware of new areas where geological knowledge is important, thereby reaching more target groups, at the same time as we aim to achieve closer contact with users throughout the country.

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TARGET 6.

CO-WORKERS AND ORGANISATION

IMPROVING EFFECTIVENESS THROUGH COOPERATION NGU must be an attractive workplace that offers its staff opportunities to develop professionally and personally in a good environment. NGU recruits, develops and keeps competent, keen co-workers and managers in an international work market. The organisation must be good at adapting and changing, and meet the need for flexible solutions in pace with realignments in society. The needs of society and user behaviour require the development of attitudes, abilities, knowledge and skills.

NGU actively strives for equality to ensure equal status and equal opportunities for its entire staff. NGU complies with the Government’s ethical guidelines, rooted in its own values and corporate culture, as well as valuing proposals for change and improvement. Co-determination and good dialogue with union representatives and co-workers are important for a good workplace environment.

systems that ensure good target- and result-oriented management. NGU must have a healthy and cost-effective economy, and good management, to ensure the necessary space for action through good routines, systems and instruments. NGU must be funded primarily through the government budget, but joint funding and contracts should be able to provide around 25 % of the total budget.

NGU must be a well-run business, with expedient internal control and quality

DURING THE TERM OF THE STRATEGIC PLAN, NGU MUST ++ Implement systematic management development to ensure teamwork and the ability to complete tasks.

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++ Encourage more women to take on management responsibility.

++ Ensure that all co-workers continually and systematically enhance their expertise.

++ Keep sickness absenteeism low and reduce the drop-out from work by systematically implementing inclusive working conditions.

++ Improve staff planning, the passing on of skills, resource management and recruitment.

++ Have open and relevant internal communication and good feedback arrangements.

++ Systematically measure the workplace environment and follow up aspects that should be preserved or improved.

++ Increase the proportion of long-term programmes and projects funded by the government budget.

NGU - STRATEGIC PLAN FOR 2012-2015

CUTLERY The steel cutlery you use when you are eating is made of the most important raw material we have - iron. Half the world’s population lives in countries which are in, or on the way into, a period of substantial industrialisation, and the world needs more steel than ever before. NGU systematically evaluates Norwegian iron deposits that may become commercially exploitable in the future.

GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF NORWAY Telephone: E-mail: Web address:

+47 73 90 40 00 ngu@ngu.no www.ngu.no