Thementag Seltene Erden

Rare earth elements have become an indispensable part of our modern daily lives. They are found in smartphones, electric vehicles, wind turbines, and numerous digital technologies. At the same time, they are among the most critical raw materials of our time, as their extraction, processing, and global availability are increasingly raising economic, environmental, and geopolitical issues.

This theme day is dedicated to the scientific fundamentals, the diverse applications, and the challenges along the global value chains. Experts will shed light on current developments and discuss the significance of rare earth elements for innovation, the energy transition, and technological sovereignty. Look forward to in-depth presentations, fascinating insights, and the opportunity to exchange ideas on a topic of great social and economic relevance.

Program

1:00 p.m. Welcome
Prof. Dr. Christel Marian, Secretary of the Class for Natural Sciences and Medicine

1:05 p.m. Introduction
Prof. Dr. Harald Strauß, Full Member of the AWK

1:15 p.m. Presentation
Prof. Dr. Jens Gutzmer, Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf e.V. & TU Bergakademie Freiberg
“Rare Earth Elements—Geology, Mineralogy, and Deposit-Forming Processes”

2:15 p.m. Presentation
Dr. Harald Elsner, Federal Institute for Geosciences and Natural Resources, Hanover
“Rare Earth Elements—Production, Projects, and Developments”

3:15 p.m. Coffee break

3:45 p.m. Presentation
Prof. Dr. Hubertus Bardt, German Economic Institute (IW), Cologne
“Supply Risks for Rare Earths”

4:45 p.m. Summary
Prof. Dr. Christel Marian and Prof. Dr. Harald Strauß

5:00 p.m. Closing Remarks and Networking Reception

Please let usknowatanmeldung@awk.nrw.deif you plan to attend. Doors open at 12:30 p.m.

For more information about our institution and other events, please visit our website at www.awk.nrw.de

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