AITEMIN is the acronym of the Association for the Research and Industrial Development of Natural Resources, founded in 1976 as a private association in the form of an independent, non-profit organization for the purpose of carrying our research, development, demonstration and dissemination activities for the exploitation, management and assessment of natural resources, including other preparatory, concurrent and related activities.

More than fifty companies, industrial associations, central and autonomous community government agencies and other entities in the field of education and research belong to this Association. 

AITEMIN is recognized and registered as an Innovation and Technology Center in accordance with Royal Decree 2609/1996 and is a Technological Centre in keeping with the definition set forth under the Spanish National Scientific Research, Development and Technological Innovation Plan.  As such, AITEMIN focuses its endeavors totally on industry and on serving companies.

AITEMIN carries out its activities under contract in all cases, said activities including both applied research as well as providing technological services for industry, for government agencies and for other public and private organizations.