Being able to characterize resources in 3D instead of the common 2D data would be a major breakthrough in minerals processing and metal extraction. We develop a new measuring routine and software which merge quantitative 2-dimensional data with 3-dimensional data. This allows for an unprecedented optimization of mineral reco­very and energy efficiency as well as the minimization of material residues.

Alte Bergbauhalden können eine wichtige Rohstoffquelle sein. Sie enthalten noch erhebliche Mengen an Wertstoffen, nur waren diese früher technisch nicht gewinnbar oder für die Industrie uninteressant. Alle Aktivitäten, die sich mit der Ressourcengewinnung aus und der Wiederaufarbei­tung von Bergbauhalden befassen, werden als „ReMining“ bezeichnet. ReMining ist ein For­schungs­schwerpunkt am HIF.

BioKollekt is a novel se­paration process that extracts metals from scrap, process waste or primary raw material mixtures using specially designed biological collectors. The method aims at enabling the cost- and energy-efficient recycling of complex mixtures, and more specifically fine particles.

The EU INFACT project aims at contributing to raw materials security in the European Union by way of invigorating Europe as a destination for exploration. The project partners envisage to change raw material exploration in a way that it becomes socially accepted, environmentally-friendly and technologically advanced.