The legacy of historic mining could become a valuable source of raw materials for the future. Former mining sites, waste rock deposits, and mineral residues often contain resources that remain largely untapped. Recovering these materials in an economically viable and environmentally responsible manner, while reducing existing environmental impacts, is one of the key challenges facing the modern raw materials industry. This is precisely where the new partnership between TU Leoben and Vienna-based BPG Alternative Minerals Reserves AG comes into focus.
The agreement was signed by Rector Peter Moser and Vice-Rector for Teaching and International Affairs Thomas Prohaska on behalf of TU Leoben, and Ernst Grissemann, CEO of the BPG Group, on behalf of the company. Representatives of the Mining Section of the Austrian Federal Ministry of Finance and the ADVANTAGE AUSTRIA office in Nairobi also attended the event.
Connecting Resource Recovery with Environmental Responsibility
The BPG Group focuses on recovering valuable and critical raw materials from historic mining legacies. The company aims to combine economic value creation with environmental responsibility through innovative technologies for processing mineral residues and recovering metals from historic mine waste deposits and mine waters.
An example of this approach in industrial practice is a project in the Sultanate of Oman. In June 2025, a copper recovery facility processing historic mining residues was inaugurated in Suhar. Developed through cooperation involving the BPG Group, Oman Mining Company, and Green Tech Mining & Services, the project uses modern environmental technologies and renewable energy to recover valuable raw materials from former mining waste. It demonstrates the potential to address environmental challenges while creating new opportunities for industrial value creation.
Bringing Scientific Expertise and Industrial Experience Together
TU Leoben contributes its scientific expertise across the entire raw materials value chain. The planned cooperation encompasses joint research and development, geological and mineralogical investigations, chemical analysis, and the development and optimization of innovative mineral processing and metal recovery technologies.
Further areas of cooperation include international knowledge and technology transfer, the development of joint research projects, and the education and advancement of early-career researchers. The aim is to connect scientific knowledge with industrial needs and advance innovative technologies for the sustainable use of mineral resources.
Exploring First Opportunities for Joint Research
Following the MoU signing ceremony, technical discussions took place at the Chair of Mineral Processing and Refining and the Department of General, Analytical and Physical Chemistry. The participants explored initial opportunities for joint research activities.
One potential focus is the investigation and recovery of valuable materials from historic mining residues in the Schwaz/Brixlegg region of Austria. In connection with the Austrian Research Promotion Agency’s (FFG) Raw Materials 2026 funding call, opportunities for joint project development involving BPG, Ekometall, GeoSphere Austria, and TU Leoben are being explored.
The discussions also addressed opportunities for international research cooperation, including the potential support of a doctoral research project in Ethiopia. Such an initiative could strengthen scientific collaboration, facilitate knowledge transfer, and contribute to developing local research capacities.
Shaping the Future of Sustainable Raw Materials Together
By signing the MoU, TU Leoben and BPG have established a foundation for long-term cooperation at the intersection of science, industry, and international research.
The partnership addresses two important challenges: unlocking previously untapped mineral resources while tackling the environmental legacy of historic mining.
By combining scientific expertise with industrial experience, both partners aim to advance innovative technologies, enable sustainable value creation, and contribute to a more responsible and secure long-term raw materials supply.
