Info Geological Survey of Belgium The Geological Survey of Belgium (GSB) was founded in December 1896. Its mission was to carry out research on mineral resources and hydrology. At present the GSB is a technical-scientific institution belonging to the Ministry of Economic Affairs. From its foundation, the task of the GSB was continuously and gradually adjusted in order to address the specific geological needs of the day. The basic activities of the GSB are to acquire fundamental knowledge in the field of earth sciences, and to interpret and diffuse this fundamental knowledge. The GSB has a dual mandate: public service and scientific research. The GSB fulfills its mandate of public service by: maintaining a database on the Belgian subsoil (description and interpretation of outcrops and drillholes). maintaining a database of the Belgian Continental Shelf. establishing and maintaining a documentation center about the earth sciences (its library contains 200.000 books and periodicals and 12.000 geological maps from the whole world). establishing and maintaining a reference collection of rock samples from the Belgian subsoil, and storing drill cores. advising and answering questions of general concern to private companies and individuals. providing technical assistance when asked, to public institutions and service, concerning engineering geology, hydrogeology and environment. valorizing natural resources (industrial minerals, ores, energy resources etc.). protecting groundwater and conserving the geological heritage. publishing geological maps, the "Memoire" series of special papers concerning Belgian geology, and the "Professional Papers", all of which promote the diffusion of geological information in Belgium. The GSB carries out research programs in following fields: geological mapping and the related fields of stratigraphy, paleontology and structural geology. deep geological structures of Belgium (geophysical exploration and drilling). metallogeny and geochemical prospecting. hydrogeology. energy resources. industrial minerals and building stones. impact of sand extraction on the seabed. This research is closely related to the public service mission, and is realized in collaboration with universities, scientific institutions or private companies. Numerous projects are realized in the framework of international scientific programs. The GSB is represented in the Belgian Committee for Geological Sciences, the National Commissions for Stratigraphy, the thematic Contact Groups of the National Fund for Scientific Research, many international research groups (such as IUGS), steering committees of various geological projects. At present, there is a staff of 12 permanent geologists at the GSB, and 2 geologists under contract.