Lab Supervisor: Dr. Konstantinos Vatalis, Associate Professor

The laboratory caters for:

• The education of undergraduate and postgraduate students in the assessment, evaluation and solution of modern environmental problems of the mining – geotechnical and industrial sector of mineral resources as well as hydrocarbons, using tools and innovative techniques that utilize state-of-the-art technology.
• Addressing critical issues of mining activity with the aim of achieving the sustainability of mineral resources which combines technological innovation in order to achieve the optimal utilization of the country’s natural wealth, sustainable environmental management and social consensus and participation in the exploitation of mineral resources – hydrocarbons and renewable energy resources.
• The assessment of the environmental and social impacts from the cumulative operation of the mining-lignite holdings in combination with the process of transition to the post lignite era. In the context of the 2015 Paris Agreement and Greece’s international commitments on climate change and despite the existence of significant reserves, the withdrawal of lignite plants is immediately visible and the environmental restoration of disturbed lignite soils combined with social prosperity, require knowledge and experience for the implementation of new development actions that complement the long-term and sustainable work so as to record a positive environmental, climatic and social footprint.
• The restoration / reuse of mining lands, quarry sites and facilities and the utilization of the industrial heritage with new land uses (Brownfield, recreation and cultural events, tourist – conference facilities, etc.).
• The Research and utilization of Industrial Minerals and Ores for modern innovative applications as well as further research for the mineral resources of West Macedonia such as: Chromite of Kozani and Grevena, Attapulgite of Grevena, Hountite – Hydromagnesite of Imera- Kozani, Tranovalto Marble, Olivenite of Skoumtsa, Quartz of Meliti , Granite of Varnounta -Florina as well as the iron-nickel laterite of Ieropigi- Kastoria, Zeolithos etc. Investigation of the suitability of Industrial Minerals for new uses. Characterization of suitability of natural and artificial abrasive materials. Research and testing of suitability of aggregates – non-slip materials. Evaluation of ultra-fine materials for applications in the filler industry.

The Laboratory offers the following eight courses taught in Mineral Resources Engineering Department, School of Engineering, UoWM:

• MRE703 Environmental Mining
• MRE831 Environmental Restoration in  Mining and Geotechnical Operations
• MRE933 Environmental Management and Law
• MRE931 Environmental Impact Assessment Studies in Mining and Geotechnical Projects
• MRE704 Industrial Minerals and Rocks
• MRE603 Innovation – Entrepreneurship

It also participates in the organization and teaching of postgraduate programmes and in the elaboration of doctoral dissertations both independently and in collaboration with other Greek and European Universities. Private and European resources are employed in the implementation of research projects and programmes as well .