Glossary
Glossary term

predictive map

A CRMA mapping term for a map indicating areas likely to contain mineral occurrences of a given raw material.

1 official sourceSingle-source term

What does predictive map mean?

Predictive map is the CRMA term for mapping likely mineral-occurrence areas. It supports exploration planning, but it is not proof that reserves exist, that extraction is economically viable, that a project has approval, or that material is available for a supply chain.

Source context

This page is anchored in CRMA Article 2, point 23. It belongs with national programmes, general exploration, targeted exploration, and mineral occurrences as part of the CRMA exploration-planning layer.

Official definitions by source

EU Critical Raw Materials Act

Regulation (EU) 2024/1252 establishing a framework for ensuring a secure and sustainable supply of critical raw materials

a map indicating areas that are likely to contain mineral occurrences of a given raw material

CRMA Article 2 source-specific definition layer.

Reference: Article 2, point 23

View official source

Practical application

Implementation records should capture the map identifier, raw-material scope, likely occurrence area, exploration-planning source, mapping method, programme link, confidence or limitation note, and separation from reserve classification, permits, or material-origin records.

Minespider commentary

Predictive map is an exploration-planning map control: the evidence consequence is that likely mineral-occurrence areas can be linked to exploration context without becoming proof of reserves, extractability, approval, or supply-chain availability.

Common confusions

  • A predictive map indicates likely mineral occurrences; it is not proof that reserves exist.
  • It should not be treated as a permit, project approval, supplier record, or material-origin certificate.
  • It does not replace targeted exploration or economic viability assessment.