The industry emphasised its innovative spirit at the 11th colloquium “Conveying Technology in Mining”, which has been held at Clausthal University of Technology, Clausthal-Zellerfeld/Germany, for two decades.
The global demand for raw materials is increasing – also due to numerous future technologies. The mining industry is therefore constantly on the lookout for innovations to drive efficiency, safety and sustainability in the extraction of raw materials. This was emphasised by Prof. Oliver Langefeld, Institute of Mining at Clausthal University of Technology, as host of the 11th Colloquium “Mining Conveying Technology”, which took place from 31st January to 1st February 2024 in the Aula Academica of Clausthal University of Technology in front of around 270 participants from all over Germany and Central Europe (Figure 1). The conference, which his institute organises every two years, celebrated its 20th anniversary this year. The colloquium on drilling and blasting technology is always on the agenda in the years in between. Next year, this will take place on 22nd and 23rd January as part of the university’s 250th anniversary celebrations.
“Promoting innovation is a traditional part of our DNA,” emphasised Clausthal University President Prof Sylvia Schattauer when welcoming the guests. She used the impressive setting to draw attention to another anniversary. In 2025, Clausthal University of Technology will celebrate its 250th anniversary. “Clausthal has been attracting people to expand their knowledge for centuries,” said the President.
Stephan Oehme from the German Engineering Federation (VDMA) also shared interesting knowledge and exciting thoughts on current geopolitics and its impact on mechanical and plant engineering in his keynote speech. Oehme sees globalisation and thus also the export of technologies under pressure. His thesis: The world is heading towards a new bipolar world order with the USA and China at the centre, which will present Europe with difficult challenges.
In the second keynote speech, Karl-Heinz Wennmohs (M&R Consulting), who has been a conference participant in Clausthal for decades, gave an overview of drive technologies for mobile loading and transport vehicles in mines. Most loaders and trucks are still diesel-powered, but electric drives are on the rise.
In addition to the keynote speeches, the colloquium offered 20 specialist presentations and many opportunities for dialogue, such as moderated discussion rounds. The conference was accompanied by a company and trade exhibition. A traditional mining evening rounded off the programme. (TU Clausthal/Si.)
