Discussion series: Structure & Change "Old stockpiles - new opportunities?"
Mining dumps - relics of past industries or sources of raw materials for the future? As the global demand for critical raw materials increases, the old spoil tips in Mansfeld Südharz are also coming under the spotlight. But how sustainable is their recycling? How significant are they as landscape markers of regional identity? Between tradition, current demand for raw materials and environmental issues, we discuss the opportunities and challenges for the region. Can the circular economy revitalize mining - or do the ecological and economic risks outweigh the benefits? You can look forward to a controversial debate about regional potential and competing visions of the future.
Source: https://afa.werkleitz.de/kalender/alte-halden-neue-chancen
04.07.2025
19:15-20:00
Geosciences Branch Library, Von-Seckendorff-Platz 3, 06120 Halle
A conversation about the global raw materials rush, the circular economy and the future of waste tips in the Mansfeld region
RBFK at panel discussion "Old stockpiles - new opportunities?"
On July 4, 2025 at 7:15 p.m., a panel discussion on the global raw materials rush, the circular economy and the future of stockpiles in the Mansfeld region took place at the Geosciences Branch Library of Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg. The event was part of the "Structure & Change" series of talks organized by the Agency for Awakening, a cooperation between the Institute for Structural Change and Sustainability (HALIS) and Werkleitz.
The discussion focused primarily on the mining dumps in the Mansfeld region, which were seen as relics of past industries or potential sources of raw materials for the future. The increasing global demand for critical raw materials and the associated questions about their sustainable recycling were addressed. The importance of spoil tips as landscape markers of regional identity was also discussed. The participants discussed the opportunities and challenges for the region between tradition, current demand for raw materials and environmental issues.
Carla Lou West, a visual researcher, Thomas Wäsche, the manager of the Röhrigschacht in Wettelrode, and Dr. Andreas Kamradt, a raw materials expert from the RBFK, took part in the discussion. The event, moderated by Dr. Mareike Pampus, offered an exciting insight into the current debates surrounding raw material extraction, environmental aspects and the future of the spoil tips in the Mansfeld region.
Visitors and participants of the panel discussion in the Geosciences Branch Library of MLU. (Photo: © Agentur für Aufbruch, Felix Kolb)
f.l.t.r. Carla Lou West, Andreas Kamradt, Mareike Pampus and Thomas Wäsche discuss stockpile potential in the Mansfeld-Südharz region. (Photo: © Agentur für Aufbruch, Felix Kolb)