21
materials minimized, but also how sustainable practices
can be integrated into existing and future mining projects.
Students will learn how to balance environmental issues
with economic goals to create holistic solutions that meet
both industry and societal needs.
The subject “Underground Water Systems and
Treatment” focuses on water in mining. This subject focuses
on the life cycle of mine water and addresses its importance
in the mining industry. Students learn strategies for mini-
mizing water consumption and avoiding contamination,
which are crucial for ensuring the environmental sustain-
ability and social acceptance of mining projects 71.
The specialization “Mining Technology and
Automation” deals with the latest technologies and auto-
mation processes used in mining. Not only technical
aspects are discussed, but also the impact of these technolo-
gies on the efficiency, safety and environmental friendli-
ness of mining operations. By analyzing current trends and
developments, students are prepared to develop innovative
solutions that increase productivity while reducing the
environmental footprint.
In the subject “Mine Closure,” among other things,
the multi-use mine is discussed on the basis of the BM
approach. In this area, students learn how mines can not
only be closed, but also transferred to new use scenarios.
By applying the principles of the circular economy, they
investigate how, for example, disused mining areas can be
used for alternative purposes such as renewable energies,
nature conservation or even to create recreational areas.
These approaches not only consider the responsible clo-
sure of mines, but also offer investment and development
opportunities for the regions in which they are located.
In addition to the academic offerings for students,
Clausthal University of Technology is also actively involved
in imparting knowledge to children and young people. As
part of various educational activities and workshops, both
the concept of the BM and the idea of the multi-use mine
are brought to the fore. The aim is to give young partici-
pants an understanding of the role of mining within the
circular economy and to raise awareness of sustainable
practices. In this way, not only are important basics of sus-
tainable resource management taught, but enthusiasm and
interest for technical professions in mining are also encour-
aged. These activities should help to inspire the next gen-
eration to become active shapers of sustainable change.
Overall, it is clear that Clausthal University of
Technology is pursuing an innovative and sustainable
educational concept that integrates the principles of Blue
Mining into the curriculum and enables students to mas-
ter the challenges in mining with a sound, sustainable
approach. By imparting knowledge and skills in areas such
as sustainable mining practice, integrated water manage-
ment, technology and multiple use, it ensures that gradu-
ates understand the importance of resource conservation
and environmental responsibility. This comprehensive edu-
cation positions graduates as valuable stakeholders in the
mining industry, ready to develop proactive solutions and
effect positive change. By internalizing the principles of Blue
Mining, they will help transform the mining industry into
a sustainable future and promote innovative approaches to
the resource-efficient use and reuse of mining sites.
SUMMARY
Blue Mining plays a central role in the transformation of
mining, focusing on the key elements of energy, ergonom-
ics, water and circularity. These aspects are crucial to meet
the increasing global demand for minerals while minimiz-
ing the environmental footprint of mining operations.
The energy aspect emphasizes the creation of “low-
energy mines” that strive to reduce overall energy con-
sumption. This not only helps to reduce greenhouse gas
emissions, but also ensures that mining remains economi-
cally viable in an increasingly carbon-neutral world.
Another critical aspect is water management. Therefore,
Blue Mining is committed to integrated water management
systems that optimize the use and reuse of water resources,
reduce contamination risks and support the environmen-
tal sustainability of mining operations. This is particu-
larly important as water scarcity and environmental issues
become more pressing worldwide.
Ergonomics is also an important aspect, especially in
the context of increasing automation. By taking human fac-
tors into account when designing the working environment
in mining, the approach helps to preserve the safety, pros-
perity and efficiency of workers. This is crucial as the indus-
try moves towards technologically sophisticated operations
where human-machine interaction is becoming increas-
ingly complex.
Another aspect of Blue Mining is circularity. This
encourages the reuse, repurposing and recycling of materi-
als throughout the mining process and meets the goals of
the circular economy by reducing waste and environmental
impact while promoting resource efficiency. Through this
integration, the mining industry can contribute to a more
sustainable and resilient economic system.
In addition to integration in research, these principles
are actively embedded in the curricula at TU Clausthal to
prepare the next generation of mining engineers to pave the
way for sustainable mining practices. Students are taught
to balance technical expertise with environmental and
materials minimized, but also how sustainable practices
can be integrated into existing and future mining projects.
Students will learn how to balance environmental issues
with economic goals to create holistic solutions that meet
both industry and societal needs.
The subject “Underground Water Systems and
Treatment” focuses on water in mining. This subject focuses
on the life cycle of mine water and addresses its importance
in the mining industry. Students learn strategies for mini-
mizing water consumption and avoiding contamination,
which are crucial for ensuring the environmental sustain-
ability and social acceptance of mining projects 71.
The specialization “Mining Technology and
Automation” deals with the latest technologies and auto-
mation processes used in mining. Not only technical
aspects are discussed, but also the impact of these technolo-
gies on the efficiency, safety and environmental friendli-
ness of mining operations. By analyzing current trends and
developments, students are prepared to develop innovative
solutions that increase productivity while reducing the
environmental footprint.
In the subject “Mine Closure,” among other things,
the multi-use mine is discussed on the basis of the BM
approach. In this area, students learn how mines can not
only be closed, but also transferred to new use scenarios.
By applying the principles of the circular economy, they
investigate how, for example, disused mining areas can be
used for alternative purposes such as renewable energies,
nature conservation or even to create recreational areas.
These approaches not only consider the responsible clo-
sure of mines, but also offer investment and development
opportunities for the regions in which they are located.
In addition to the academic offerings for students,
Clausthal University of Technology is also actively involved
in imparting knowledge to children and young people. As
part of various educational activities and workshops, both
the concept of the BM and the idea of the multi-use mine
are brought to the fore. The aim is to give young partici-
pants an understanding of the role of mining within the
circular economy and to raise awareness of sustainable
practices. In this way, not only are important basics of sus-
tainable resource management taught, but enthusiasm and
interest for technical professions in mining are also encour-
aged. These activities should help to inspire the next gen-
eration to become active shapers of sustainable change.
Overall, it is clear that Clausthal University of
Technology is pursuing an innovative and sustainable
educational concept that integrates the principles of Blue
Mining into the curriculum and enables students to mas-
ter the challenges in mining with a sound, sustainable
approach. By imparting knowledge and skills in areas such
as sustainable mining practice, integrated water manage-
ment, technology and multiple use, it ensures that gradu-
ates understand the importance of resource conservation
and environmental responsibility. This comprehensive edu-
cation positions graduates as valuable stakeholders in the
mining industry, ready to develop proactive solutions and
effect positive change. By internalizing the principles of Blue
Mining, they will help transform the mining industry into
a sustainable future and promote innovative approaches to
the resource-efficient use and reuse of mining sites.
SUMMARY
Blue Mining plays a central role in the transformation of
mining, focusing on the key elements of energy, ergonom-
ics, water and circularity. These aspects are crucial to meet
the increasing global demand for minerals while minimiz-
ing the environmental footprint of mining operations.
The energy aspect emphasizes the creation of “low-
energy mines” that strive to reduce overall energy con-
sumption. This not only helps to reduce greenhouse gas
emissions, but also ensures that mining remains economi-
cally viable in an increasingly carbon-neutral world.
Another critical aspect is water management. Therefore,
Blue Mining is committed to integrated water management
systems that optimize the use and reuse of water resources,
reduce contamination risks and support the environmen-
tal sustainability of mining operations. This is particu-
larly important as water scarcity and environmental issues
become more pressing worldwide.
Ergonomics is also an important aspect, especially in
the context of increasing automation. By taking human fac-
tors into account when designing the working environment
in mining, the approach helps to preserve the safety, pros-
perity and efficiency of workers. This is crucial as the indus-
try moves towards technologically sophisticated operations
where human-machine interaction is becoming increas-
ingly complex.
Another aspect of Blue Mining is circularity. This
encourages the reuse, repurposing and recycling of materi-
als throughout the mining process and meets the goals of
the circular economy by reducing waste and environmental
impact while promoting resource efficiency. Through this
integration, the mining industry can contribute to a more
sustainable and resilient economic system.
In addition to integration in research, these principles
are actively embedded in the curricula at TU Clausthal to
prepare the next generation of mining engineers to pave the
way for sustainable mining practices. Students are taught
to balance technical expertise with environmental and