"We see an increasing need for all kinds of metals, both base metals and critical metals"
Meet Christna Wanhainen and Nils Jansson, teachers on the program.
Christina, why do we need metals in the sustainable society and can metals be extracted sustainably?
The question covers the critical metals needed for the green transition and how to learn in this education how to find and extract them, etc.
Man's need for metals and minerals is increasing, in step with an increasing world population and the green transition that is now taking place. Renewable energy systems such as wind turbines and solar cells require a lot of base metals and also a number of different critical metals, ie metals that are of great economic importance but are not produced in the EU.
There is up to twelve times more copper in renewable energy systems compared to traditional systems. An electric car, for example, contains just over three times as much copper as a petrol car, and therefore the demand for copper will increase for a long time to come. The green transition thus means an increased need for all kinds of metals, both base metals and critical metals.
In this training you will learn how these metals are found in the earth's crust in the form of ores, how and where different types of ores are formed and what methods are used to find and extract them in a sustainable way.
Nils, industry is a central part of the green transition, what does contact with companies look like?
The training in exploration at Luleå University of Technology takes place in close collaboration with the mining and exploration industry, which is also one of the most important future employers for our students. Various examples are excursions to active mines and continuous guest lectures.
In the course Mining Geology, we have, for example, mining mapping exercises in active underground mines, and exercises and guest lectures in resource modeling with accredited experts from industry.
Collaboration with industry is one of the strengths of our education. It gives students a good insight into different work roles for fully trained geologists. In addition, this makes it easier for us to keep education up to date with the industry's specific challenges and needs.
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