TU Clausthal (TUC), Clausthal-Zellerfeld/Germany, and the Georg Agricola Technical University (THGA) in Bochum/Germany, want to work together in future, particularly in the fields of mining, post-mining and process engineering. Prof. Alfons Esderts, TU Vice President for Research and Technology Transfer, and Prof. Jürgen Kretschmann, President of the Bochum-based university, have signed an appropriate cooperation agreement (Figure 1).
The cooperation was initiated by Clausthal professor Oliver Langefeld from the Institute of Mining, who is also on the THGA council: “I am familiar with both institutes; there are multiple starting points for cooperation that could be beneficial on both sides,” said Prof. Langefeld. THGA President Prof. Kretschmann emphasised the following: “Mining and the recovery of raw materials are still extremely important for Germany, which is why it is good when two leading universities in this field develop their connection further.”
In spring 2016, THGA celebrated its 200th anniversary. Of its 2,400 or so students, approximately 80 % come from the surrounding area. Although the university has always place particular emphasis on application-based teaching, it is currently in the process of stepping up its research activities. In October of last year, the university founded the Research Institute of Post-Mining. What will be left when the miners have all gone? Researchers are dedicating themselves to this question and finding numerous reference points in this area to TUC, which is also involved with sustainability and reuse in mining.
The Westphalians want to introduce a Master’s degree in “Mining + Processing” to the range of courses available. In the winter semester of 2014, the region’s first English-language Master’s degree in Mining Engineering was successfully launched at TUC. “We will be delighted if TU Clausthal agrees to participate in the development of our internationally oriented course,” said Prof. Kretschmann.
In addition to the field of geological engineering and mining – with teaching focussing on rocks and soils – the Bochum university also specialises in mechanical and process engineering and in electronic and information technology. According to Prof. Esderts, this is another area where there may be further opportunities for cooperation. (TUC/Si.)
