Project X-Rock
Title: Research on eliminating engineering-geological barriers affected by thermodynamic changes in simulated underground repository conditions using domestic mineral resources
- Project acronym: X-Rock
- Implementation period: 06/2025 - 12/2029
- Partners:
- Technical University of Kosice, Faculty of Mining, Ecology, Process Control and Geotechnologies
- Juhapharm, s.r.o.
- State Geological Institute of Dionyz Stur
- ZerumOne s. r. o.
Description: The project is focused on the development and optimization of innovative solutions for the long-term safe handling of heat-emitting waste. Since one of the main objectives is to eliminate natural engineering-geological barriers of rock massifs using rocks or mineral mixtures from domestic raw-material sources, one of the outputs will be products based on rock mixtures usable as a physico-geochemical barrier in technical practice.
Goal: The project aims to integrate results from applied laboratory technologies, laboratory simulations, and models, and to examine possible use of domestic mineral resources in simulated rock environments.
Project outcomes: The project directly contributes to the goals of the European Green Deal, Slovak energy and raw-material security, and improved long-term sustainability of the nuclear sector.
Planned outcomes include increased safety of deep geological repositories, reduced environmental and safety risks, and transfer of research results into industrial practice in line with EU and Slovak legislative requirements.
The project integrates results from applied laboratory technologies, laboratory simulations, and models, and examines possible utilization of domestic mineral resources in simulated rock environments.
Project outcomes will be reflected in scientific publications, expert studies, technological innovations, and applicable industrial solutions, contributing to practical knowledge transfer. The project will also provide significant economic benefits through optimization of storage and transport costs, development of new materials and safety systems, and support for industrial partners in nuclear energy and environmental safety.