Based in Hanover, the Federal Institute for Geosciences and Natural Resources (BGR) advises the Federal Government on matters of geoscience. The German Mineral Resources Agency is based at the Institute's location in Berlin-Spandau. The Federal Institute for Geosciences and Natural Resources is concerned with the sustainable use of natural resources and protecting the human habitat.

As a Centre of Excellence for geoscience, the Institute advises and informs the Federal Government and German business on all issues relating to geoscience and raw materials procurement. Its work focuses on ensuring that natural resources are used in a way that is economically and environmentally sound and thus in the interest of humankind. As Germany's geologic authority, the Federal Institute for Geosciences and Natural Resources also undertakes a large number of international duties. In Germany, its main task is to act as a co-ordinator. As a higher federal authority, the Institute is part of Germany's scientific and technical infrastructure and also undertakes certain responsibilities which are defined in statute.