Technische Universität Clausthal

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.)

Prof. Oliver Langefeld has been elected as the new president of the worldwide academic institution “Society of Mining Professors/Societät der Bergbaukunde” in Windhoek/Namibia (Figure 1).

A larger delegation from the Institute of Mining at TU Clausthal University, Clausthal-Zellerfeld/Germany, spent a week in Namibia’s capital Windhoek in September at the 32nd annual meeting of the Society of Mining Professors (SOMP). In this country, SOMP is also known as the Societät der Bergbaukunde. The highlight of the SOMP conference from Clausthal’s point of view was the election of a new president. Oliver Langefeld, a professor and mining expert from Clausthal, was elected to head the SOMP for the first time.

The presidency in this worldwide academic institution is for one year. Associated with this is the fact that the 33rd annual meeting of SOMP will be hosted at TU Clausthal University. For this, scientists from the discipline of mining from all over the world are expected in the Upper Harz in September 2023.

The handover of the presidency concluded the conference. Previously, several young scientists from Clausthal had presented the results of their work at the conference in the Southwest African country. With four contributions, the Institute of Mining showed strong commitment to the goals of the organizing society of mining professors, such as a sustainable supply of raw materials for society. At the subsequent 10th international conference “Sustainable Development in Minerals Industry”, another contribution followed on a current Clausthal research project.

The SOMP was founded in 1990. Founding members at that time were Professors Friedrich Ludwig Wilke and Walter Knissel, both of whom had also been rectors of the TU Clausthal University. Since then, SOMP has played a crucial role through its support in the field of mining science and its contributions to research, education and transfer. It is the leading international society for mining science professionals and is recognized for effective networking, for supporting collaboration and innovation in research, education and training, and for its impact on the global mining industry. While SOMP was primarily a European association at its inception, it has long since evolved into a global community with approximately 300 members representing 110 mining institutes in 45 countries. (TUC/Si.)

The first use of explosives in mining in the Oberharz region in 1632 combined with the rapid spreading of this new mining and driving technique in the mines around the towns Zellerfeld and Clausthal can be seen as one of the most significant milestones in mining development. The constant technical advancement, beginning with the use of explosives and the invention of dynamite in 1866, until the use of high explosives in present-day underground and surface mines, guarantees the high efficiency of modern mining operations.

Due to the current situation the event will be helt as digital conference in german language.

We are pleased to invite you to this upcoming event in February 2021.

Institute of Bergbau
Erzstraße 20
DE-38678 Clausthal Zellerfeld
Tel.: +49 (0)05323 / 72-3180

Prof. Dr.-Ing. Dr. h. c. mult. Friedrich Ludwig Wilke, Vice Chancellor of Clausthal Technical University (TUC) from 1976 to 1978, has contributed to the international exchange of knowledge in the field of mining for decades. Three years ago, the Society of Mining Professors founded the „Ludwig Wilke Award“ in his honour. Now the academic community has commended him once again and presented him with a medal engraved with his likeness.