Our partner, Montanuniversität Leoben (MUL), is a specialised technical university in Austria with a long-standing focus on raw materials, mining, metallurgy, and related fields. It was founded in 1840 and has since developed into one of the key academic institutions dedicated to education and research across the raw materials value chain. MUL structures its activities around five guiding principles: energy efficiency, climate neutrality, sustainability, zero waste and circular design, which are reflected in both its curricula and research agenda.
The University has extensive experience in European research and education initiatives and has participated in a wide range of EU-funded projects addressing technical, environmental, and social dimensions of raw materials production. Among these projects are MIREU, SUMEX, S34I, EnactSDGs and RM@Schools-ESEE, with a particular emphasis on sustainable mining practices, skills development, and stakeholder engagement. Through these projects, MUL has contributed to advancing interdisciplinary approaches that link engineering solutions with societal expectations and policy frameworks.
In addition to its project involvement, MUL plays an active role in developing and implementing innovative education formats. The University coordinates the EIT RawMaterials-funded PhD education project PRO-SLO, which focuses on strengthening professional competencies related to Social Licence to Operate (SLO).
Within the RM-SLO-PLUS-HUB project, Montanuniversität Leoben is responsible for Work Package 3 (Development and Delivery of Services). In this role, MUL contributes to the design and implementation of training and support services aimed at improving understanding of social aspects in raw materials operations.
Our project at MUL is represented by three dedicated members who combine expertise in education, industry, and sustainable mining. Mariaelena Murphy is the education portfolio manager and researcher at the Resources Innovation Center at MUL. She coordinates education initiatives and international projects, including PRO-SLO project, developing trans-disciplinary approaches that connect research, education, and societal challenges. Hanno Bertignoll manages and supports project activities as the link between Leoben, university institutes, and project partners, contributing practical insights from his background in mining engineering and industry experience. Michael Tost, Professor for Sustainable Mining Technology at MUL, brings his expertise in sustainable mining and environmental management, guiding the project’s research and training efforts to integrate responsible and practical approaches within raw materials sector.