TU Clausthal

Clausthal University of Technology is a modern profile university focused on the Circular Economy. The guiding theme with its characteristics of resource-efficient circular economy, sustainable materials, renewable energies and digital control of the overall system is a recurrent theme throughout the university. At Clausthal University of Technology, we research, teach and work to build a sustainable society in the digital age. Founded in 1775, students in the Harz region have been successfully educated in the natural sciences, engineering and economics as well as computer science and mathematics for around 250 years. Approximately 80 professors, 3,000 students and 1,100 employees enjoy short distances, a personal atmosphere and the varied landscape in the middle of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We are known for our close contact with students. The research-intensive university, with its excellent national and international network, is the most important economic factor in the region.

The Faculty of Engineering and Economics of the Clausthal University of Technology is seeking to appoint the Position of

University Professor (Salary Scale W3 NBesO)
“Underground Mining and Depository” (m/f/d)

at the Institute of Geotechnology and Mineral Resources starting from 01.04.2028.

The recruitment requirements are based on § 25 of the Lower Saxony Higher Education Act (Niedersächsisches Hochschulgesetz NHG).

You fit in with us if:

• In addition to a university degree in a natural science, engineering or economics program, you have an above-average doctorate and a habilitation or comparable achievements.
• You have experience in acquiring third-party funding [or industrial experience].
• You should be willing to teach courses in German and English as well as have enthusiasm, commitment and pedagogical and didactic qualities for teaching.

The individual to be appointed must be identified by outstanding research accomplishments in at least one of the following areas:

• Underground mining, support, and heading methods
• Mine planning
• Mining machinery (incl. automation, IoT and digitalization)
• Responsible / Sustainable Mining
• post-mining
• Safe closure technology
• Water and energy storage in underground spaces developed for mining purposes

The applicant must have experience in underground mining and be internationally oriented. In particular, experience in ESG (Environment, Social, Governance) as well as automation and post-mining is expected. Likewise, teaching in the basic mining subjects must be offered.

The position holder is expected to engage in interdisciplinary cooperation within the framework of the research priorities of Clausthal University of Technology, in particular in the interdisciplinary research field of “Raw-Materials Supply and Resource Efficiency”.

View the full job offer

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.)