Bergbaukunde, quo vadis?

In order to tackle climate change and increasing competition in access to resources, the European Union has defined far-reaching transformations in the areas of energy and digitalisation as well as the conversion of the economic system towards an inclusive, circular economy in the so-called Green Deal. From a mining perspective, these transformations mean a continued growing demand for raw materials, which must be met by extracting mineral raw materials from primary deposits. However, increased quantities with “business as usual” would also increase the environmental and social impacts of mining, which is not an option, especially in Europe and Austria. Due to these facts, there is a need for research on new and improved mining methods and planning, as well as on optimised processes and machinery. This article describes how the Chair of Mining Engineering and Mineral Economics at Montanuniversität Leoben intends to use these challenges as an opportunity with its updated strategy, both for research and for teaching. For the research area, sustainability and involvement in the shaping of raw materials policy should form the framework. With a focus on digitisation and underground mining as well as strengthening the areas of open-pit mining, conveying technology and geoinformatics, research is to be future-proofed for these upcoming transformations. Teaching will continue to include a basic engineering education with specialisation in mining, whereby digitalisation will play an increasingly strong role.