Conference "Environment, Energy, and Raw Materials"

 

Conference "Environment, Energy and Raw Materials 2023" of the German Markscheider Association in Alsdorf on 28-29 September

More than 100 experts met again in Alsdorf at the traditional conference "Environment, Energy and Raw Materials" of the German Markscheider Association after a forced break due to corona. For two days, current topics relating to the field of mine surveying were intensively discussed.

This year, the focus was on the possibilities of artificial intelligence in the geosciences, hydrogen and energy storage in the mining context, as well as on the changes planned at federal level in mining law and their impact on raw material extraction and ultimately also on the energy transition.

After welcoming addresses by the Rector of RWTH Aachen University and the Dean of Faculty 5, Professors Dr. Ulrich Rüdiger and Peter Kukla PhD., presentations by top representatives of the Federal Ministry of Economics and Climate Protection such as State Secretary Dr. Franziska Brantner and NRW State Planning (Dr Alexandra Renz), as well as the Raw Materials and Mining Association (Dr Martin Wedig) introduced the topic. The fascinating possibilities of artificial intelligence in the geosciences were presented by Prof. Wellmann PhD. (RWTH) presented. A panel of representatives from federal ministries, science and the raw materials industry examined the consequences of the planned amendment of mining law for the German supply of raw materials from many angles under the moderation of Dr. Klaus Freytag, Lusatia Representative of the Minister President of the State of Brandenburg.

The on-site organisation was provided by the Institute for Mine Surveying, Mining Damage Science and Geophysics at RWTH Aachen University under the direction of Prof. Dr. Axel Preuße. With the Energeticon in Alsdorf, a venue was found that impressively combined the centuries-old tradition of mine surveying with current topics.

The event once again showed how important secure - naturally sustainable and environmentally friendly - raw material extraction and supply is for the energy transition and what significant contributions mine surveying is capable of making in this regard.

 

Impressions