International research work at the Mont Terri Rock Laboratory
The Mont Terri Rock Laboratory is an underground research laboratory in Canton Jura where 22 partners from 9 nations work together. As the primary research partner, we would be happy to guide you through the laboratory, which is operated by swisstopo, the Swiss Federal Office of Topography.
At the Mont Terri Rock Laboratory, scientists conduct experiments directly on the Opalinus Clay – the rock that will eventually host the deep geological repository – under realistic conditions.
The research laboratory is located near St-Ursanne in Canton Jura. It is operated by swisstopo, the Swiss Federal Office of Topography.
To swisstopo
What is being researched?
Researchers investigate geological, chemical and physical processes that will eventually occur in a repository. They also study how radioactive substances are retained underground over long time periods.
At Mont Terri, organisations from the EU, Japan, Canada, the USA and Switzerland are involved in joint research projects. It is one of the world’s leading geological laboratories for research on clay rocks. No radioactive waste is disposed of at Mont Terri. The laboratory is used exclusively for research purposes. Guided tours are available for groups of 10 people or more.
Looking 600 metres into the future
Guided tours of the Mont Terri Rock Laboratory
Nagra is the primary research partner at the Mont Terri Rock Laboratory. Research is being conducted there directly in the Opalinus Clay, the host rock in which the deep geological repository will eventually be constructed. We would be happy to guide you through the research laboratory, which is operated by swisstopo, the Swiss Federal Office of Topography.
Register for a free guided tour
For groups of 10 people or more
Your contact
Register your group now for a free guided tour of the Mont Terri Rock Laboratory. We look forward to your visit.
Title photo: Maria Schmid