With the global demand for minerals set to increase, the associated mining activities will be increasingly in the spotlight. Terraprisma offers a sustainable solution for using Earth observation satellite data to monitor mining areas from different perspectives, which will be beneficial for all stakeholders. Recently having joined the programme of ESA’s Dutch business incubator (ESA BIC Noordwijk), the startup aims to transform the mining industry by integrating geospatial and other data into a platform to support a greener, more transparent and responsible mining future. We discover more from the startup’s founder Thomas Kaakeh in this interview.
The mining industry is at the forefront of the green transition, in terms of the market for energy transition minerals (see Box 1). This is due to clean energy technologies emerging as a major force in driving demand growth for critical minerals, which could quadruple in the next 20 years if we are to limit global temperature rise to well below 2 degrees Celsius. This increasing demand for critical minerals and metals brings with it a slew of challenges for the mining industry, which is where Thomas Kaakeh – the founder and CEO of Terraprisma – comes in. With the motivation and expertise, he is here to introduce an innovative approach led by data science that will support the mining industry to become more transparent and sustainable, in compliance with environmental goals.
Thomas Kaakeh, with an academic background covering both geology and data science, has industrial experience in the oil and gas industry as an exploration geologist. With the relevant skills and knowledge to drive Terraprisma forward, the team has expertise in geospatial analytics, data science, commodity finance and startup creation. Since joining ESA BIC Noordwijk in September 2023, the team has hit the ground running. We caught up with Thomas to find out about the startup’s aspirations for tackling the mining industry with the help of satellite data.
How do you describe the focus of Terraprisma?
The main objective of Terraprisma is to revolutionise the mining industry by using satellite and other types of data to monitor mining areas from different perspectives. These can be environmental, social, governance or operational. Our vision is to create a holistic solution that integrates all stakeholders in the mining industry to foster a more environmentally-friendly and transparent sector.
How did your company come about?
The story of Terraprisma is closely linked to my professional and academic journey. I graduated in exploration geology for oil and mining from the University of Montpellier 2 in France. I also obtained a bachelor’s degree in geology, biology and environment from the same university before moving to the Netherlands to specialise in data science at the University of Utrecht. My professional journey led me to work in the oil industry, where I held the position of exploration geologist. During this time, I observed the increasing importance of big data in the geosciences and the underutilisation of certain types of data, such as satellite images.
With the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, I began to think about how I could have a meaningful impact while staying in the field of geology, which is dear to me. That’s when the idea of Terraprisma began to take shape in my mind. I realised that I could merge all my skills and passions, including new technologies, geology, the environment and the use of satellite data, to create a company that would positively contribute to our understanding and preservation of our planet while providing innovative and sustainable solutions to the mining industry. Since then, Terraprisma has been working tirelessly to realise this vision.
What steps did you take to get here?
My journey has been an exciting adventure marked by various crucial stages. It all started with the conceptualisation of our project, which aimed to revolutionise the use of satellite data in the mining industry. The first step was presenting our idea to trusted collaborators who quickly joined our initiative. Their commitment was the starting point of a strong and dedicated team. Next, we undertook intensive scientific research to structure our concept. This step allowed us to gain an in-depth understanding of the challenges in the mining sector and the importance of satellite data from geological, environmental and operational perspectives.
A pivotal stage was our participation in the Copernicus Masters competition, where we received positive feedback and encouraging results. These endorsements reinforced our belief that our project deserved further development. To bring our idea to life, we conducted a proof of concept that demonstrated the feasibility of our solution. Concurrently, we initiated discussions with key players in the mining industry to better understand their specific needs. We then joined the pre-incubation programme at BIC Montpellier, which was a significant milestone. It allowed us to solidify our project and benefit from invaluable guidance. This experience strengthened our conviction that entrepreneurship requires robust support.
How did you end up at ESA BIC?
In our first application to ESA BIC Noordwijk, we unfortunately were not selected. However, we took to heart the constructive feedback that we received and persevered. We reapplied 6 months later, after focusing on the best definition of product/market fit and further developing our business plan and, this time, our project was accepted. In summary, our journey to ESA BIC incubation has been characterised by determination, continuous learning and the ability to overcome obstacles. Each step has been an opportunity to grow, improve our project and move closer to our goal of revolutionising the mining industry through satellite data.
What is your solution and what problem does it address?
The problem is that there is a lack of transparency within the mining industry. At a time of energy transition, the growing demand for critical minerals and metals creates greater environmental, social and governance (ESG) challenges. The current lack of transparency is a major obstacle preventing sustainability and responsibility within the mining industry. We believe that our product will help to solve that by gathering all stakeholders together on a holistic and interactive platform. The solution will include three tools:
- An ESG-oriented assessment feature – evaluating the impact of mining projects with ESG scores assigned based on environmental, social and governance criteria
- An informed, decision-making platform – providing operators, regulators, investors and NGOs with global access to extract insights covering conventional, artisanal and small-scale mines and any related ESG-oriented assessments
- A near real-time monitoring feature – continuously monitoring mining operations and their environmental impact to give an up-to-date record.
Terraprisma is your partner for problem identification and operation optimisation, ensuring cost-effectiveness, safety, transparency and compliance.
BOX 1: NEW RESPONSIBLE MINING STANDARD
The mining industry is crucial to the energy transition, providing the minerals needed for electric vehicles, solar panels and wind turbines. A new industry collaboration was announced in November 2023, working to consolidate existing mining standards and create a single global responsible mining standard. A joint statement from the International Council on Mining and Metals states: “This collaboration responds to direct feedback from investors, civil society, customers, policy makers and mining companies that confirmed the appetite for a less crowded and complex standards landscape that is more transparent, robust and encourages wider industry participation to drive impact at scale.” Discover more
What is your space connection?
Terraprisma is strongly linked with space as it makes use of Earth observation data. As part of the platform, we are developing algorithms that monitor conventional and artisanal mining concessions by combining satellite data from Sentinel 1, 2 but also 5P, and other satellite data sources like Landsat 8 that we cross with other types of data, such as environmental data or legal data (mining cadastre).
What will your focus be during incubation?
Our main goals for the first year of incubation are to fully leverage all the resources available to us through the incubator, whether in terms of funding, partnerships or the community, which is an invaluable source of experience sharing and mutual support. Every visit to the ESA BIC incubator, located at SBIC Noordwijk, is an enriching experience where we feel surrounded by colleagues facing similar challenges and doubts, providing real added value.
What will your first prototype look like?
Our specific goal is to finalise the development of our minimum viable product (MVP), which will take the form of an interactive platform. This platform will allow users to access a wealth of information about mining projects, especially concerning ESG criteria. Additionally, we plan to implement a pilot project to validate our solution in the field.
We aspire to be recognised as leaders in this field, actively contributing to the improvement of sustainability and environmental responsibility in the mining industry
thomas kaakeh, CEO of terraprsima
What aspects of the programme do you appreciate most?
The aspects of the ESA BIC programme that I find most useful, aside from the financial aspect, are primarily related to the community. The opportunity to collaborate, exchange ideas and share experiences with other entrepreneurs and experts is priceless. It allows for gaining new perspectives, learning from the successes and challenges of other participants, and building valuable connections in the world of innovation and entrepreneurship.
Every aspect of the programme is motivating, exciting and offers new opportunities. From training and mentoring to access to technical resources and potential partnerships, each step of the incubation journey provides valuable benefits for the development of our business. The entire experience is a constant source of inspiration for me, and I eagerly await each new stage to continue advancing our project.
Did you take part in any pre-incubation programmes?
Yes, I participated in the pre-incubation programme at BIC Montpellier. I believe that pre-incubation is a crucial stage for anyone looking to validate their idea and transition from conceptualisation to concrete entrepreneurship. It’s not just about working on your project during a pre-incubation programme; it’s also about personal development. You truly become an entrepreneur by acquiring skills and developing the vision necessary to succeed in the world of entrepreneurship.
If you are resident in the Netherlands and looking for a pre-incubation programme, click here!
What are your future ambitions for the company?
We have big ambitions that reflect our commitment to innovation and positive impact. In the near future, we will be working toward our MVP and securing our first pilot project. This phase is critical to validate our solution in the field and demonstrate its relevance in the mining industry.
Next, we intend to pursue rapid growth. We plan to expand our solution to a greater number of mining areas, allowing us to diversify our client portfolio and broaden our influence in the industry.
In the longer term, our ambition is to become the leading company specialised in satellite-based mining analysis and ESG assessment of mining activities. We aspire to be recognised as leaders in this field, actively contributing to the improvement of sustainability and environmental responsibility in the mining industry.
Any words of encouragement for anyone considering applying to ESA BIC Noordwijk?
Don’t hesitate, go for it! Have confidence in your vision and work hard to bring it to life. ESA BIC Noordwijk is a unique opportunity to propel your space-related project to success. You have the potential, so seize this opportunity and move forward with determination!
Thomas Kaakeh will be at COP28 to speak to the key players in the mining industry.
Watch the Terraprisma LinkedIn to be kept updated!
ABOUT TERRAPRISMA
Terraprisma is where spatial data meets mining innovation. Harnessing the power of geospatial analytics and data science, the startup is transforming mining insights by building a tech-driven platform that offers a next-generation rating system for mines worldwide. Incubated at the Dutch business incubation centre of the European Space Agency (ESA BIC Noordwijk), Terraprisma is pioneering the future of mining analytics to support transparent and sustainable industry practices. terraprisma.com
Prepare your space business idea for lift-off!
Don’t miss out on the support that can lift off your space business. Take action in 2024. Get ready for the ESA BIC spring application round by discussing your idea with our team.
