The international mining industry can now test technology at Germany’s largest research organisation following an agreement between the Helmholtz Institute Freiberg for Resource Technology (HIF) and Amira Global.

The HIF, which is based at Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Amira Global to join its CoLabs initiative, which is creating a network of test facilities across the globe.

Amira Global CEO Dr Jacqui Coombes welcomed the agreement, saying the organisations were aligned in their vision and approach for industry.

“I am thrilled to announce the signing of this MOU with the Helmholtz Institute, a leader in resource and energy research in Europe. Through our organisations we are both addressing the mega challenges facing industry today,” Dr Coombes said.

“This new agreement offers Amira Global Members facilitated access to another set of test laboratories that will assist them to accelerate the development and implementation of breakthrough technology,” she said.

“The creation of a network of test facilities forms part of our strategy to help industry to increase production while reducing tailings, water use and energy.”

Director of the HIF Dr Jens Gutzmer (PhD ZA) said the Institute chose to participate in the CoLabs initiative because “global challenges require a global approach”.

“The development of technological solutions for the efficient utilization of historic tailings has been an important research topic in our institute for almost a decade, culminating in the establishment of the recomine consortium with its more than 60 regional innovation partners in 2019,” Dr Gutzmer said.

“The opportunity to join the CoLabs program of Amira Global is a logical further step for us in an effort to contribute significantly to the solution of this particular challenge. We are very much looking forward to interacting with our partners in the CoLabs program in general – and with Amira Global in particular.”