About our consortium
The project consortium includes scientific organizations, research institutes as well as potential recipients of the new technology, such as mining companies, which confirms the potential of the proposed technology. The partners are from 5 European countries: Poland (3), Czech Republic (1), Greece (1), Romania (1) and Germany (2)
Wrocław University of Science and Technology
Wrocław University of Science and Technology (WUST), established in 1945, is one of the largest and top-ranked technical universities in the country. It comprises 74 departments conducting research in engineering, natural sciences, and social sciences. WUST is a national leader in patents and technological innovations. The project involves two WUST departments: the Department of Design and Research of Machines and Vehicles, and the Department of Energy Conversion Engineering. The former focuses on geometric and strength modeling in CAD systems, finite element methods (FEM), and fluid mechanics (CFD) simulations, along with experimental research on real objects. The latter specializes in designing and researching pumps and turbines for hydroelectric power plants, utilizing 3D printing for test rotors. Both teams have extensive experience and numerous publications, contributing significantly to domestic and international industry.
Technical University of Crete
The Technical University of Crete (TUC) is Greece’s top research institution, leading in research publications with a global citation score of 1.26. TUC excels in fields like mineral resources engineering, environmental engineering, electrical and computer engineering, architecture, and production and management engineering. It participates in national and EU research programs such as Horizon 2020 and FP7, managing projects funded by industrial sponsors and the Ministry of Education. From 2016 to 2022, TUC’s managed research projects increased by 61%, with a budget rise from €39M to €56M. Annually, TUC appoints around 520 researchers and 40 administrative staff, having signed over 4000 contracts in the past four years. The School of Mineral Resources Engineering, active since 1990, focuses on mining technology, geotechnical, geological, and environmental issues, and post-mining activities. It has participated in RFCS projects like BEWEXMIN, RAFF, and REECOL. TUC’s research units are well-equipped and experienced for the HYDROMINE project.
"Poltegor-Institute" Opencast Mining Institute
The “Poltegor-Institute” Opencast Mining Institute (Poltegor) in Poland is a leading R&D organization with over 70 years of experience in opencast mining. It employs nearly 50 experts across 6 departments and 10 laboratories, focusing on innovative, clean, and environmentally friendly mining and reclamation technologies. The “Poltegor-Institute” collaborates with several opencast mines in Poland and Europe. Recently, it has participated in various projects under RFCS, Interreg Central Europe, and national schemes, both as a leader and partner. Notably, it led the RFCS project BEWEXMIN and coordinated the RAFF project, which focuses on coal mine closures and transitioning post-mining areas to a green future. These experiences will benefit the HYDROMINE project.
VUHU a.s.
VUHU, established in Most in 1953, is the only research and support institution dedicated to open-pit coal mining in the Czech Republic. Since becoming a private enterprise in 1992, VUHU has closely collaborated with all active coal open-pit mines in the country, offering expertise in geotechnics, technical diagnostics, mining technology design, and reclamation. VUHU features a well-equipped accredited laboratory and regularly participates in RFCS projects, including REECOL, TEXMIN, RAFF, and SUMAD. The HYDROMINE project could benefit from VUHU’s involvement in the strategic JTF project GreenMine, which focuses on post-mining transformation. VUHU’s recent activities encompass a comprehensive range of environmental, scientific, engineering, and laboratory services, including ecological coal treatment and the use of lignite combustion and desulphurization products.
The KOSD Niemodlin S.A.
The KOSD Niemodlin S.A. (KOSD), headquartered in Niemodlin, Poland, began operations in 1964 and now runs four mines extracting aggregates for road construction and concrete production. The company, a joint-stock entity since 1998, employs 96 people and produces 1.4-1.5 million tons of stone materials annually. KOSD has modernized its equipment to meet high environmental standards and was among the first in Poland to adopt non-electric initiation of MW charges.
In recent years, KOSD has invested in renewable energy, building photovoltaic farms with a total capacity of 2.5 MW, balancing the company’s energy consumption. Notable projects include the Bielice and Brzeziny photovoltaic farms and reclamation of post-mining areas, such as creating a bird breeding island at Brzeziny. KOSD collaborates with scientific units to improve occupational safety and environmental protection. In 2020, it received the EKOkopalnia 2020 award for its pro-ecological activities.
University of Petrosani
The University of Petrosani (UP) in Romania, formerly the Mining Institute Petrosani, has a long tradition in mining and equipment design. Since 1995, UP has expanded its expertise to include environmental engineering. The university’s laboratories are well-equipped for analyzing physical, geotechnical, and hydrogeological properties of rocks, slope modeling, stability analysis, and chemical analysis of water and soil samples. UP’s expertise also covers fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, and energy efficiency. The Department of Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, and Transportation conducts energy audits for various sectors, including mining and energy. Research activities also focus on pneumatic equipment and networks, crucial for underground mines due to explosion risks. The university’s laboratories feature advanced equipment like flue gas analyzers, ultrasonic flowmeters, and thermal cameras.
TECHNISCHE UNIVERSITAET CHEMNITZ
Chemnitz University of Technology (CUT) in eastern Germany is renowned for its excellent study and research conditions, as well as its infrastructure for technology transfer and innovation. It is a key scientific and economic driver in the region. The MERGE Cluster of Excellence at CUT promotes cross-disciplinary research and innovation with over 250 industrial partners, focusing on lightweight construction. This involves integrating manufacturing processes from plastics, metals, textiles, and intelligent systems to develop resource-efficient products and processes. The MERGE team includes experts in lightweight materials and production technologies, contributing to sustainability, climate protection, and the circular economy. The cluster’s innovative work has earned it a strong reputation in Saxony and Germany. The planned project on green plastics will expand expertise in biopolymers, opening new application areas and potentially creating jobs.
Fraunhofer Institute for Machine Tools and Forming Technology
The Fraunhofer Institute for Machine Tools and Forming Technology IWU (Fraunhofer) in Germany is a leader in production engineering innovation, with 670 employees across locations in Chemnitz, Dresden, Leipzig, Wolfsburg, and Zittau. They focus on scientific developments and industrial contract research in various fields, including energy, automotive, aerospace, medical, and precision engineering. Fraunhofer IWU develops technologies and intelligent production systems, emphasizing circular economy solutions like reusable joining technologies, refurbishing, remanufacturing, and recycling. They also work on digitization and data management to enable material and component cycles.
Their research projects often involve AI and robotics to transition manufacturing environments into cognitive production systems. The “E3 Research Factory for Resource-Efficient Production” exemplifies their approach, aiming for flexible, resource-efficient production using renewable energies and advanced information technologies. Fraunhofer IWU is part of euRobotics, Made in Europe, and EARPA, and plays a significant role in Saxony’s smart specialization strategy and the Circular Saxony innovation cluster.
