ESEE Scholarships
Duration: 01/2020 – 12/2021
TrainESEE v.2 is a capacity building project focused at six Universities of East and South Eastern Europe. Targeted universities lack modern teaching methodology, and areas of training that need to be further developed include project development and management, innovative and entrepreneurial skills and science to business competences. These are some of the main reasons for lower performing in science and teaching and lower ranking of the Universities at the World University Rankings. Final consequences are that graduates from those Universities have lower innovation and entrepreneurial skills, and have weaker impact and starting positions in the industry compared to the European average.
The 2-year project is focused on the academic staff of these universities. Four training modules will be developed: Teaching methodology; Project preparation and management; Innovation and entrepreneurial and Science to Business. Each participating RIS university will collaborate in preparation of the acceleration programmes. These programmes are planned to last continuously for minimum of 3 years after the implementation, increasing the percentage of the trained academic staff to >50% at each of the “Training” universities.
Partner: Montanuniversität Leoben (RIC Leoben), Aalto University, AGH University of Science and Technology, Dnipro University of Technology, Fundación Tecnalia Research & Innovation, KGHM Cuprum Ltd. Research & Development Centre, National Technical University of Athens, Technical University of Kosice, Technische Universität Wien, University of Mining and Geology St. Ivan Rilski, University of Miskolc, University of Zagreb
Upscaling of key technology for a recycling facility for 30,000 t/a WEEE-concentrate
Duration: 02/2016 – 09/2018
Upscaling of key technology for a recycling facility for 30,000 t/a WEEE-concentrate. The project focus is on upscaling an innovative technology for metallurgical treatment of up to 100% Waste Electric and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) concentrate. The key-technology is a novel smelting furnace in combination with an optimized separation and refining process which allows the treatment of up to 100% low-grade WEEE-concentrate, offering the possibility of concentrating and recovering base, precious and special metals (gold, silver, platinum group elements, copper and nickel).
Partner: Montanuniversität Leoben (Chair of Nonferrous Metallurgy, Lead), METTOP GmbH, PolyMet Solutions GmbH, SMS Group GmbH, TH Nürnberg Georg Simon Ohm, Urban Gold GmbH
Duration: 01/2016 – 12/2019
The project “CLC-EAST Professional School” provides an interlinked course program, which teaches the state of the art with a didactic concept tailored for the local industrial environment.
Partner: Montanuniversität Leoben (RIC Leoben), AGH University of Science and Technology, Sieć Badawcza Łukasiewicz – PORT Polski Ośrodek Rozwoju Technologii, Technische Hochschule Nürnberg Georg Simon Ohm, Technische Universität Bergakademie Freiberg (TUBAF)
Learning the uses of minerals through non-conventional and digital tools
Duration: 01/2020 – 12/2021
The 3D BRIEFCASE Project seeks to bring mineral raw materials and mining closer to society. Its ultimate goal is that citizens from an early age and students, get to know and understand from where the mineral products they use in daily life come from, what minerals can be found in their environment, and how our daily purchasing decisions affect the social environment of the people who live in countries with mineral resources exploitation.
During the first part of the project, BRIEFCASEs are developed covering sensitive aspects of the mining activities and focusing on primary school pupils to students (6-14 years old) and their teachers, including virtual material (web) compiling all these materials to offer an interactive tool that can be self-used by pupils.
The second part of the project, 3D BRIEFCASE, proposes to improve the virtual tool into an augmented reality (AR) application to attract students up to 18 years old and to adapt the tool for a 3D-application for permanent use in science museums and educational centres, and for private use of the general public.
Partner: Montanuniversität Leoben (RIC Leoben), CSIC (Spanish National Research Council), Coventry University, European Association of Mining Industries, Metal Ores & Industrial Minerals (EUROMINES), Fundación Tecnalia Research & Innovation, Gomez Pardo Foundation, Magnesitas Navarras S.A., Monolithos Ltd, Technical University of Kosice, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Università degli Studi di Milano – Bicocca, ZAG (Slovenian National Building and Civil Engineering Institute)
Teaching raw materials to primary schools with gamification
Duration: 01/2020 – 12/2021
As increasing world demand for raw materials is facing stronger public concerns on health and environmental issues there arises the need for a better targeted dissemination of knowledge and information, thus enforcing public awareness of the problem. To work towards public awareness, we must start early by increasing knowledge and interest about raw materials and geology – already in primary school. By targeting primary schools we also reach the public as a whole – through children, their parents and their teachers.
BetterGeoEdu 2.0 is a project that targets primary schools to work with wider society learning for raw materials. BetterGeoEdu will develop educational material about raw materials using BetterGeo – a modification of the immensely popular game Minecraft. Cooperation with teachers, museums, geoparks, and activity centres will result in train-the-trainer programmes as well as freely available exercises and instructions for teachers. BetterGeoEdu brings a unique and innovative way of teaching raw materials to primary schools using an already well-known and loved game.
Partner: Montanuniversität Leoben (RIC Leoben), Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Geological Survey of Slovenia, Geological Survey of Sweden, Tallinn University of Technology, Trinity College Dublin, Technical University of Madrid, Université de Liège
Certification of Raw Materials
Unlike other sectors such as forestry, the food sector or the textile sector, there is no general and comprehensive certification of mineral resources. The up-scaling project CERA is developing a new certification scheme for mineral raw materials. CERA consists of eight work packages in which the DMT and its partners (LTU Business, University of Leiden, Montanuniversität Leoben and TÜV Nord CERT) form a close working group.
The following characteristics are required for the certification of raw materials:
• Competence in exploration, production and processing of mineral resources
• Experience in the certification process
• Management of a network to enterprises in the value chain of mineral resources
The knowledge and skills gained at DIM aim at increasing the employability of mining engineers. In the long run, the program will lead to an increase in sustainable mining and processing activities, which will result in economic growth and the creation of employment in respective countries.
Output
The targeted output of this innovation work can best be described by means of, for example the certification of coffee or tea. It is known that certified producers showed substantial improvements in performance in comparison with non-certified producers. Coffee producers named main benefits of certification such as the reduction in production costs, a better price for the product, quality improvements of the product, access to new markets, environmental improvements, better cost management of the production, traceability of the production process, and most importantly improvements of working conditions. These benefits, amongst others, are also the focus of the certification of mineral resources. Additionally, an improvement in the image of certified producers as well as increasing sales could be possible advantages of a label for mineral resources.
https://www.cera-standard.org/
Duration: 01/2017 – 06/2021
Partner: Montanuniversität Leoben (Chair of Geology and Economic Geology), DMT, Leiden University, LTU Business, CONFEDEM (Mining and Metallurgical Company Association), RISE (Research Institutes of Sweden), TüV Nord Cert, Savannah Resources
EIT International Summer School “From dreging to deep-sea mining”
Duration: 01/2020 – 12/2022
Striving for independence from the import of Critical Raw Materials, the EU has made considerable investments towards reaching marine mineral resources. A European deep-sea mining industry would have a potential of creating a hundreds-billion market and thousands of new jobs. The current knowledge about deep-sea mining and particularly about the impact of mining activities on the marine environment is quite diversified and often contradictory. This is not conducive to the acceptance of seabed mining by society due to the absence of a clear and holistic picture of seabed mining and its possible environmental footprint.
The DSM-School project is aiming to become a platform for the elaboration and dissemination of knowledge in deep-sea mining to increase awareness of wider society on state-of-the-art mining technologies, recent investigations on the environmental impact of seabed mining activities, marine mineral resources, as well as economic, political, social and legislative aspects. The project will reach the wider society with communication tools such as a two-week summer school organized in Germany, the Netherlands and Norway, the Internet, and public events.
https://www.ntnu.edu/igp/dsm-summer-school
Partner: Montanuniversität Leoben (Chair of Mining Engineering and Mineral Economics), Bundesanstalt für Geowissenschaften und Rohstoffe, IHC Mining B.V., Norwegian University of Science and Technology, STICHTING NEDERLANDSE WETENSCHAPPELIIJK ONDERZOEK INSTITUTEN, Technische Universität Bergakademie Freiberg, Delft University of Technology
European MSc in Geomatics for Sustainable Mineral Resource Management
Duration: 04/2018 – 12/2020
A growing world population makes it necessary to progress the extraction of mineral resources in areas which are more difficult to access and characterized by increased mining / geological complexity and more harsh working conditions. At the same time the primary objectives will remain to ensure the highest level of operational and public safety and also to make best and optimal use of natural resources by maximizing recovery. The basis for this is the use of the most modern sensing technologies for geo-data acquisition and geo-data management, state-of-the-art methods for information extraction and analysis, and the assimilation of this information in digital 3D decision making models, such as the resource models or mining subsidence prediction models.
The European Course on Geomatics for Sustainable Mineral Resource Management develops a European MSC course that develops future leaders and innovators in this field.
The educational content focuses on the following pillars:
• Sensing technologies for mine data gathering,
• Spatial (big) data management and visualization, and
• Spatial (big) data analysis and modelling.
Partner: Montanuniversität Leoben (Chair of Mining Engineering and Mineral Economics), Deutscher Markscheiderverein, DMT, Instituto Superior Técnico, Wroclaw University of Science and Technology, Technische Universität Bergakademie Freiberg, Delft University of Technology
Enhancing the skills of ESEE RM students towards the AchievemenT of SDGs
Duration: 01/2020 – 12/2021
The project consortium of “ENhancing the skills for the AChievemenT of SDGs”, EnAct-SDGs, will cooperate in order to develop an Action Plan that will act as a driver to modernize the RM education practices to ensure the incorporation of the Sustainable Development principles in the educational programmes of the ESEE Universities, strengthen the skills and increase the capacity of University graduates and RM professionals.
During the project a number of actions will take place and methodological tools will be adopted so as: (a) to build a dynamic self-sustained network between the Industry, Academia, Researchers and Professionals of the RM sector; (b) to initially assess the existing Educational programmes of the Beneficiary Universities; (c) to take into account the needs and views of the stakeholders from the RM network, Policy makers and NGOs; (d) to identify the areas that need improvement; (e) propose a road map for the modernization of the educational programs of the Beneficiary Universities that could be then transferred as a Best practice to other Universities of the ESEE Region; (f) to organize pilot activities for the implementation of the new proposals.
The EnAct-SDGs project will cooperate with the existing and developing ecosystems of different EIT RM Innovation (RC Leoben and RC Freiberg) and RIS (RCGREECE and RCKOSICE) HUBs represented by the Consortium. The RM industry has already expressed their interest in the project implementation through their Letter of Intent.
Partner: Montanuniversität Leoben (RIC Leoben), AGH University of Science and Technology, Employers’ Organization of Polish Copper, GREEK MINING ENTERPRISES ASSOCIATION (GMEA), Hub Innovazione Trentino – Fondazione (HIT), MYTILINEOS S.A., National Technical University of Athens – NTUA, Panhellenic Association of Graduate Mining and Metallurgical Engineers ( PSDMMM), Technical University of Kosice, Technische Universität Bergakademie Freiberg (TUBAF), The National Technology Platform for Research, Development and Innovation of Raw Materials, Università degli Studi di Trento
Initiated by the EIT RawMaterials Regional Center Leoben at Montanuniversität Leoben in Austria, the ESEE Dialogue Conferences aim to foster an international community in the raw materials sector by converging relevant stakeholders from industry, research and education in East and South East Europe. The ESEE Dialogue Conferences is a major raw materials conference series for East and South East Europe, which has successfully addressed issues in the raw materials sector in eight countries in the last four years. Integration into the EIT RawMaterials community, policy framework, education development, resource efficiency and innovation along the raw materials life cycle are the main topics of the conferences.
Raw materials are vital for future technologies and will continue to play a major role in the development of solutions for present challenges. For example, great challenges such as the shift to renewable energy can only be reached via innovative technologies dependent on the use of materials. Rising demand and need for sustainable supply in Europe are to be balanced. The aim of the EIT RawMaterials is to take action and develop raw materials into a major strength for Europe.
In this context, the region East and South East Europe (ESEE) is of particular interest to the EIT RawMaterials, due to its unique geological potential and unique potential on secondary raw materials, which also makes it highly relevant with regard to the European Raw Materials Strategy. Furthermore, a significant number of business idea holders relevant to the overall objectives of EIT RawMaterials are coming from this region.
Outlook
With many successful conferences and an established network of ESEE partners, we will continue our efforts and use our experience of the last years to enhance the involvement of the ESEE region. Albania is planned as the next ESEE DC location. In the course of the last conferences the organisational team has worked hard to create and organize top networking opportunities for future collaboration within the EIT RawMaterials. For example, more and more interactive activities such as real-time voting, workshops and round tables where included into the agenda to enhance the conference experience. We will pursue these efforts further and are sure that we are on the right track to generate inspiring and successful conferences.
Furthermore, we have widened our target group and now generally plan an education workshop with hands-on experiments for students. To connect young minds to raw material related topics is extremely valuable for the development of the sector. If we do not have interested bright minds, the chances of developing innovation for the raw material sector is low. Therefore, we actively include students and hope to spark interest in them to become engineers of the future, who will drive innovation and the development of the sector.
Duration: 1/2017 – 12/2020
Montanuniversität Leoben (RIC Leoben, Lead), Geological Survey of Slovenia, Slovenian National Building and Civil Engineering Institute, University of Zagreb;
Mixed Reality in Mining
Mixed reality visualization allows to reduce shaft inspection and machine maintenance cost by 15%, but there are few solutions available. Larger cost reductions are possible when combining AR visualization with software for optimized system maintenance (up to 35% by reduced downtime and optimized maintenance). The resulting mixed reality product will illustrate technical steps for quicker and more informed decisions towards autonomous mining.
By the use of already existing MR hardware the development of specific solutions for selected underground mining issues, including an overall enterprise data infrastructure, is planned within HoloMine.
The pilot solutions will show that mixed reality solutions are perfect for enabling rapid shaft and roadway inspection, machine maintenance, 3D model visualization, and quick decision-making.
The mine environment will become an entirely new canvas for all stakeholders to understand, investigate, learn, communicate and interact with.
Duration: 01/2019 – 06/2022
Partner: Montanuniversität Leoben (RIC Leoben, Chair of Automation), DMT, LTU Business, Robotic Eyes GmbH, Sandvik, Technische Hochschule Nürnberg, Technische Universität Graz, Technische Universität Bergakademie Freiberg
Multifactor model for investments in the raw material sector
After a decade of declining commodity prices, negative investment trends, debated mining legislation and increased overall risks, mining companies are struggling to survive searching for new sustainable investment options. The InvestRM project will create a decision-making tool for raw materials companies and investors, mining institutes, technical universities, geological surveys, non-governmental association, B&H government and state institutions in order to facilitate investment in the raw material sector. Project is focused on Bosnia and Herzegovina due to its critical raw materials potential, but will be fully transferable to other East and Southeast European (ESEE) countries. The project will deliver structured country data (entity based) together with relevant and validated geo-information on 120 critical raw materials deposits and occurrences within B&H: antimony, bauxite (as potential source of rare earth elements – REE), fluorite and magnesite. One of the special tasks is establishment of constructive dialogue with minimum 40 B&H SMEs and large companies throughout Banja Luka, Prijedor, Tuzla and Zenica, info-days in order to tailor the InvestRM decision making tool.
Investment opportunities in raw materials in Bosnia and Herzegovina BROCHURE Download
Duration: 01/2018 – 12/2021
Partner: Montanuniversität Leoben (Chair of Mining Engineering and Mineral Economics), Cemex Croatia, Mining institute Prijedor, Mining Institute Tuzla, University of Zenica, Metallurgical institute Kemal Kapetanović, University of Zagreb, Geological Survey of Slovenia
Rare earth reduction in high performance permanent magnet electric machines
The highest torque densities for motors in EV vehicles are obtained with Neodymium (Nd) magnets. But Nb is considered to be a critical material for Europe due to two reasons:
• The forecast of the demand predicts that it will exceed the production in the following years
• The production is out of Europe
This is why it is extremely interesting to look for alternatives to these magnets based on material which are not as critical as Nd. In this context, implementation of Cerium (Ce) substituted alloys could alleviate the need for Nd raw material up to 6-10 %. However, Ce-based magnets are known to be less performant than Nd magnets, therefore, it becomes mandatory to redesign electrical machinery in order to optimize the implementation of these new magnets.
In LowReeMotors projects, two different electrical machines will be designed, manufactured and tested based on Ce magnets that will substitute an existing equivalent Nd based motors.
The design will be developed focusing for mass production. In that way, the aim of the project is to develop two new motor products based on that topology,
Duration: 01/2020 – 12/2022
Partner: Montanuniversität Leoben (Chair of Polymer Processing), French Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission, KU Leuven, Magneti Ljubljana d.d., MONDRAGON GOI ESKOLA POLITEKNIKOA S. COOP., Valeo Powertrain Systems
Maintained Mine & Machine
MaMMa allows the employees and consultants of a mine to design better, more efficient machines and infrastructure maintenance plans for mines depending on the real-time results of the operational wear & tear status. These design of these machines and infrastructure maintenance schedules are often designed, verified and optimized by professional trainings schools, technical research institutes at Universities. The real-time maintenance data supplied by MaMMa would allow shorter response times to required modifications during mining operations, and constant testing, verification and optimization of these maintenance plans in a safer environment.
Duration: 01/2018 – 12/2021
Partner: Montanuniversität Leoben (Chair of Automation), DMT,
KGHM Cuprum Ltd. Research & Development Centre, KGHM Polska Miedz Spólka Akcyjna, LTU Business AB,
Wroclaw University of Science and Technology (WUST), Rheinisch-Westfaelische Technische Hochschule Aachen (RWTH Aachen), RISE Research Institutes of Sweden AB, TU Clausthal
Mine Emergency Response and Rescue School
Duration: 01/2018 – 03/2020
Mine Emergency Response(MINERS) and rescue School aims to create an international program to teach students important skills in fields of mine rescue, emergency response and safety management. The students will not only learn the theoretical backgrounds of national and international safety standards and rescue procedures, they will be trained under real life conditions, supported by experts, to learn proper skills to run a safe and successful rescue mission.
Within MINERS an international uniform mine rescue program will be established that brings together students form different universities trained by international experts, who have personally been involved in mining accidents and have led rescue operations all over the world.
Partner: Montanuniversität Leoben (Chair of Thermal Processing Technology), Boliden Mineral, DI Wilhelm Schön, Technische Universität Bergakademie Freiberg, Trinity College Dublin, University of Zagreb
Mineral Policy Guide
The MIN-GUIDE project, financed by Horizon 2020, started in February 2016. It aims to support the safe and sustainable supply of mineral resources in Europe by developing a new online source that presents guidelines and “good practice” examples for mineral policymakers. The main objectives of the project are: (1) the preparation of guidelines for the EU and EU Member States’ raw materials policy, (2) the facilitation of political decision-making through the presentation and possible transferability of the good practice examples, and (3) a network for innovation-friendly policy frameworks for raw materials. MIN-GUIDE will analyze the relevant policy in Europe and identify innovative “good practice” examples. These findings form the basis for the most important result of the project, an online “Minerals Policy Guide”.
Duration: 01/2018 – 12/2020
Partner: Montanuniversität Leoben (RIC Leoben), Vienna University of Economics and Business, University of Westminster, Luleå University of Technology, National Technical University of Athens, Instituto Geologico Y Minero De Espana, University Of Aveiro, Gopa-Cartermill, University of Zagreb;
Mining and Metallurgy Regions of EU
MIREU aims to establish a network of mining and metallurgy regions across Europe. As mining projects are carried out at regional and local levels, regions are key actors in ensuring a continued supply of mineral raw materials to the European economy. The MIREU project will bring together mining and metallurgy regions from across Europe to work together on improving the conditions for sustainable access and supply of raw materials in the EU.
The MIREU consortium is comprised of 30 partners of which 17 are regions from all around Europe.
The project outcomes will be gathered in an online MIREU Knowledge Portal, that will be freely accessible during the lifetime of the project. To guarantee the continuation of the network, a Council of Mining and Metallurgy European Regions is established to carry on the activities.
Duration: 01/2018 – 04/2021
Partner: Montanuniversität Leoben (RIC Leoben), AGH Krakow, Business Joensuu, CCDR, Cornwall Council, Energy Management Agency of Maramures, ERRIN, Exploration and Mining Division of the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment, NOVA University of Lisbon, GKZ Freiberg, French Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission, General Directorate of Energy and Mine-Spain, et.al.
Optimising the Tantalum Recycling Process through Conditioning of Raw Materials, Process Automation and Material Logistics
The project goals of OpTaRec are resource efficiency, improved cost efficiency and product quality in the processing of secondary raw materials. Specifically, a testing process for the tantalum used to recovery. The gained know-how is then consequently published in scientific publications, also a guide is prepared and made available for third parties to implement.
Duration: 04/2017 – 12/2020
Partner: Montanuniversität Leoben (Chair of Nonferrous Metallurgy), Clausthal University of Technology, Rheinisch-Westfaelische Technische Hochschule Aachen (RWTH Aachen), TANIOBIS GmbH, TANIOBIS Smelting GmbH & Co.KG
LifeLong Learning in Powder Metallurgy
Duration: 01/2018 – 07/2021
PM Life is a training on Powder Metallurgy organised by the European Powder Metallurgy Association (EPMA) and some of its affiliates. During five weeks, trainees will learn about powder metallurgy and its sectors (powder production, press & sinter, metal injection moulding, hot isostatic pressing, additive manufacturing). Each week will take place in a different European country (Sweden, France, Spain, UK, Germany) and will consist in basic and advanced courses on specialised PM topics and horizontal topics including materials science and engineering and entrepreneurship, case studies in factories or universities and a plant visit. Following the training weeks, a three-week internship will be proposed to the participants either in a factory or in a university, to practice what they have learned during the course in an actual working environment. At the end of the training, an EPMA certificate will be granted after evaluation by an exam. Expected participants hold at least a Master’s degree and have some knowledge on materials science. They may already work in the PM field or wish to enter this field.
Partner: Montanuniversität Leoben (Industrial Liaison Department), Chalmers University of Technology, ERAMET IDeas, European Powder Metallurgy Association, Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Förderung der angewandten Forschung e.V., Höganäs, Hub Innovazione Trentino, Grenoble Institute of Technology, Royal Institute of Technology, Manufacturing Technology Centre, Sandvik AB, Universidad Carlos III of Madrid, Università degli Studi di Trento
Raw Materials Students Internships
Duration: 07/2019 – 12/2022
RAISE gives access to secondary school students at internships within research laboratories/companies operating in the Raw Materials sector. RAISE tackles a carrier guidance demand originated within the schools, making youngsters aware of the career opportunities in the field, offering them tools allowing an informed university studies engagement into Raw Materials related disciplines. Motivated pupils access two/three week internships focused on exploration, circular economy, substitution of critical raw materials and recycling.
This project is offering pupils a first but immersive direct contact with the raw materials sector, giving them a flavor of its real world in order to facilitate their informed and committed engagement into studies of raw materials related disciplines.
Partner: Montanuniversität Leoben (RIC Leoben), Alma Mater Studiorum – Universita di Bologna, Bay Zoltan Nonprofit Ltd. for Applied Research, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), ERION, Kungliga Tekniska Högskolan, KTH (Royal Institute of Technology), TREEE Srl, Universidad Politecnica de Madrid (UPM), Università degli Studi di Milano – Bicocca