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Centre for Russian and Central EurAsian Mineral Studies (CERCAMS)

Vision Statement

The Centre for Russian and Central EurAsian Mineral Studies at the Natural History Museum, London, will serve the international mineral deposits community as a centre for research into the geodynamics and metallogenesis of the FSU and neighbouring territories. The Centre will pursue cutting edge research of mineral deposits through grant-funded doctoral, post-doctoral and academic researchers.


Why is CERCAMS necessary?

The broad geographical region of Central Asia, Russia and adjacent territories contains vast mineral wealth and exploration potential. During Soviet times a large amount of research and exploration was conducted by a variety of disparate organisations. The active collation of these data and related research is paramount to ensure against its loss or unnecessary repetition, as these data represent an invaluable resource to the industrial and academic communities. The Centre will run initially for a 5-year period.


Why base CERCAMS at The Natural History Museum?

NHM provides a neutral venue for such a centre, which is readily accessible to the international community. The researchers of NHM are currently involved in a number of collaborative research projects across the region (funded via INCO-Copernicus, Royal Society, IGCP-IUGS-UNESCO, INTAS, ESF). Furthermore, NHM has a successful track record in providing grant-funded training and analytical expertise to visiting international researchers from the FSU. Extension of this work, with the active collaboration of academic institutes of the region, shall serve to enhance and supplement the existing knowledge and skills base of the region.


What will CERCAMS produce?

The primary goal of the Centre is to develop and to deliver state-of-the-art research in metallogenesis and geodynamics of the FSU and adjacent territories. A tangible benefit of this research will be a variety of commercial products. The product range will include high quality GIS-layers and supporting data sets for example:

  • Mineral Deposits of the S. Urals, (available)
  • A Metallogenic Map of the Central Asia Region, (available mid 2002)

There will be also a variety of printed products including English language reference field guidebooks, special publications and monographs, metallogenic and geodynamic maps and translation of local language texts.

CERCAMS will hold an annual meeting to review the research findings of the year, which will be supported and complemented by a bi-annual newsletter. An additional output shall be joint CERCAMS-IGCP field trips; two are currently planned for the Chinese-Altai and Tien Shan region in the summer 2003, and the Russian Far East in the summer of 2004.


Why does CERCAMS need Patrons?

In order to develop and enhance collaborative research it will be necessary to bring academic and industry experts from across the region together. Monies pledged will be used to support the travel costs of visitors to CERCAMS. The patronage funds will also be used to initiate new research projects pertaining to problem areas in mineral deposit research of the region. Less than 10% of the funding will be used in meeting some of the administrative costs of the Centre.


Patronage to CERCAMS

By becoming a patron of CERCAMS individuals and companies have the opportunity to gain access to the Centre as favoured partners. The cost of annual patronage will be $1500 USD. This will entitle the patron to:

  • Free registration for CERCAMS annual meeting (2 persons per patron)
  • One copy of the CERCAMS annual report
  • Access to the action points of CERCAMS advisory panel
  • The bi-annual CERCAMS Newsletter (.pdf file format)
  • First option on places for CERCAMS-run field trips
  • Opportunity to purchase CERCAMS products pre-general release