The Iberian Pyrite Belt (IPB) hosts some of the world's most significant volcanogenic massive sulfide deposits, with a mining history of over 5,000 years. In the last decade, the IPB has seen a resurgence in mining activity and scientific research. The historic Riotinto mine was reopened in 2015 under the management of Atalaya Mining and is currently a fully operational open pit copper mine in the province of Huelva. This region has significant historical and environmental value, with mining activities dating back to pre-Roman times. In addition, the Riotinto River is a world-famous example of acid mine drainage resulting from sulfide oxidation.

Two VEs on Riotinto will showcase the site's unique geological characteristics, acid mine drainage (AMD) challenges, and mining techniques. By incorporating interactive drone footage, 360-degree photos and videos, and geological data, these two VEs will enhance the students' understanding of mining techniques and environmental challenges in the raw materials sector.

The Bauxite Geology Park is a former bauxite mining site located in Gánt, Hungary. Nowadays, the site functions as a museum and geological park, offering visitors insight into its mining history. The VE has been developed for this area highlights the geology of the region, the discovery and formation of karst bauxite deposits and the history of mining activities that have had a significant impact on the region´s economic development. The focus is on bauxite as a critical raw material for the clean energy transition, showing the processes of converting bauxite into alumina and subsequently producing aluminium. The excursion also examines waste disposal practices, emphasizing the importance of resource management.

Milos Island, located in the southern Aegean Sea, is renowned for its diverse volcanic geology, rich mineral resources, and long tradition of mining activities. Five VEs have been developed on Milos Island, each focusing on a distinct site that illustrates the island’s rich geological heritage and long mining history. The Milos VEs emphasize the importance of manganese and barite as critical raw materials for the clean energy transition, while also addressing key aspects of mineral exploration, extraction, and post-mining restoration.

Greater Sudbury, located in Canada, is a globally significant nickel-copper mining district. Five VEs have been developed for this area, focusing on the history of mining and highlighting the area's distinctive geological features, environmental issues resulting from extensive mining and smelting, and the city's pioneering initiatives in land restoration and regreening. Excursions also explore the geology of the Sudbury Igneous Complex and associated ore deposits, emphasizing the vital role of nickel and copper in the clean energy transition.

The Evje-Iveland region in southern Norway is renowned for its abundance of granitic pegmatites and exceptional mineral diversity. Two VEs have been developed in this area to highlight the geology of the pegmatite fields, the history of mining, and the importance of feldspar as a critical raw material essential for the clean energy transition.

The Fen Carbonatite Complex is a geologically unique and historically significant site. It is one of the world's classic examples of carbonatite magmatism and is recognized as hosting the largest known rare earth deposit in Europe. The VE showcases the Fen area's mining history, highlighting its evolution from iron ore extraction to niobium mining, and the challenges posed by radioactive waste resulting from niobium mining. The VE also explores rare earth element (REE) mineralization within the complex and ongoing exploration efforts aimed at providing up to 30% of the EU´s REEs demand by 2050.

The Hordaki Quarry offers an insight into quarrying operations and the practical applications of quarried materials in construction. The tour covers the key stages of the quarrying process, from planning and overburden stripping to drilling, blasting and subsequent loading and hauling.