In order to further advance their research efforts on the processing and recycling of raw materials for the energy transition, the TU Bergakademie Freiberg and the Köppern Group are strengthening their collaboration. The focus is on processes and machines for the processing of iron ore for the production of green steel.
The Köppern Group location in Freiberg has had the addition “Institute at the TU Bergakademie Freiberg” since November. Köppern develops, builds and sells systems and heavy machinery worldwide for industrial processes in various industries, including fertilizers, building materials, mining, metallurgy and recycling. The location of the Köppern Group is located directly next to the Technical University of Bergakademie Freiberg, which operates a test facility for briquetting, compaction, high-pressure shredding and wear measurement for the Köppern Group.
Research projects for the energy transition
A new contract will intensify the long-standing collaboration between the TU Bergakademie Freiberg and Köppern in the field of mechanical and plant engineering. This makes Köppern Aufbereitungstechnik GmbH & Co. KG a so-called affiliated institute of the university. These affiliated institutes are independent research institutions that cooperate long-term with the TU Bergakademie Freiberg and complement the university's teaching and research offerings. Recognition as an affiliated institute takes place in accordance with the Saxon Higher Education Act.
One of these joint research projects focuses on the development of iron ore briquettes that can be further processed into green steel in hydrogen-powered furnaces.
Prof. Georg Unland explains that technical universities - and in particular the TU Bergakademie Freiberg due to their profile - have a special responsibility in technical and technological upheavals. Scientific findings must be put into practice as quickly as possible in order to ensure the competitiveness of German industry. This could be done through joint research projects with companies, through spin-offs or through personnel exchanges.
“All of this strengthens the attractiveness of Freiberg as a location,” says Unland.
“Processes and machines, starting with the crushing of the ore and the “refining” of the iron ore concentrate for the production of suitable pellets for the direct reduction process, up to the hot briquetting of the sponge iron produced, can be further developed together with the TU Bergakademie and even implemented on a semi-industrial scale. For this purpose, the most modern test facilities are available in the Institute for Processing Machines and Recycling System Technology,” explains Christopher Schäfer, managing partner of the Köppern Group.
Commitment to student education
Another ongoing research project is dedicated to the use of AI-supported processes for the further development of potash processing plants for the production of fertilizers. This is part of Köppern's commitment, together with the TU Bergakademie Freiberg, to develop innovative solutions for the sustainable processing of primary and secondary raw materials.
The collaboration is organized by the Institute for Processing Machines and Recycling System Technology (IART), which is also involved in student training. Prof. Holger Lieberwirth from IART points out that over 50 joint student projects have already been supported during the existing collaboration. This collaboration will now deepen through the new affiliated institute.
