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Helmholtz Institute Freiberg for Resource Technology

The Helmholtz Institute Freiberg for Resource Technology (HIF) pursues the objective of developing innovative technologies for the economy so that mineral and metalliferous raw materials can be made available and used more efficiently and recycled in an environmentally friendly manner. The HIF was founded on August 29, 2011, and is being established jointly by the Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf and the TU Bergakademie Freiberg.

Trace Metals for a Healthy Economy

High tech needs them to survive: Germanium, gallium, indium, and other rare metals.  But also rare earth metals such as scandium, yttrium, or lanthanum.  Without them, it would be impossible to build solar cells and electrical engines for cars and wind turbines. Yet, the demand for these trace metals is greater than their technological availability, which is why global competition has ensued for these strategic economic resources. Germany as a high tech country has to play an active role to ensure a sustained and stable supply of mineral and metalliferous raw materials to the global economy. 

In order to advance and promote the development of technologies for the efficient and effective use of mineral resources, Germany’s Federal Government has founded the Helmholtz Institute Freiberg for Resource Technology (HIF). The new institute is to make a vital contribution towards implementing the national strategy on raw materials.

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