The Dutch Research Council for Safety (OVV) identified in their report on induced seismicity in Groningen (2015) shortcomings in the public knowledge development concerning hazard quantification and possible damage and safety risks of natural gas production in Groningen.

Specific recommendations were:

  • improve the insights in the hazard and risks and associated uncertainties of mining activities

  • conduct the research independent from the mining industry and make it publicly accessible

  • stimulate international multidisciplinary research and put effort in integrating and consolidating research results

The OVV stated that these recommendations should also apply to mining activities other than natural gas production. The KEM program covers all mining activities in The Netherlands.

This was followed in 2022 by the Parliamentary inquiry into Groningen earthquakes (2023) and the KEM evaluation. Both support the cntinuation of KEM, whereby it also adies to pay attention in KEM to the possible social effects of mining.