Mont Terri Rock Laboratory

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International research at the Mont Terri Rock Laboratory – open year-round for visitors

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 will gladly guide you through the rock laboratory, which is managed by swisstopo, the Swiss Federal Office of Topography.

What is being investigated at the Mont Terri Rock Laboratory?

Scientists conduct experiments on the Opalinus Clay – the rock that will eventually host the deep geological repository – under realistic conditions. Researchers also 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 Canada, the EU, Japan, the United Kingdom, the USA and Switzerland are involved in joint research projects. It is one of the leading international geological laboratories for research on clay rocks. No radioactive waste disposal takes place at Mont Terri; the laboratory is solely for research purposes.

Experiment on the degradation of gas by bacteria found in Opalinus Clay.

  • Overview of the research aims and the most important experiments

     


  • Experiment on tunnel support in the Opalinus Clay

     

Map of the Mont Terri Rock Laboratory close to St-Ursanne

Registration for a guided tour

From 3rd February 2022, groups can again register for guided tours of the Mont Terri Rock Laboratory. We look forward to welcoming you back!

Cover photo: Maria Schmid