The first mining games team from Freiberg impresses with tradition and technology!

The first mining games team from Freiberg impresses with tradition and technology!

On March 25, 2025, a remarkable premiere in the mining sector took place when the team of Technical University Bergakademie Freiberg (TUBAF) took part in the mining games for the first time. Led by Tobias Hörmann, captain of the Freiberg men's team, he reported on the short preparation time, which was made possible by the valuable support of local mining companies. Despite the challenges, the team managed to achieve a respectable success in the solid midfield.

The Mining Games, which focus on old mining techniques from the German mining regions of Erzgebirge and Harz, included a total of 260 participants who competed against each other in various disciplines. These included, among others:

• Trackstand (Gleisbau)
• Survey (Vermessung mit einfachem Theodolit)
• Hand Steel (Bohren mit Hammer und Meißel)
• Jackleg Drilling (Bohren mit Druckluftbohrhammer und Luftstütze)
• Mucking (Fördern mit Hunt)

Networking and international exchange

A central concern of the mining games is to promote networking with students from international universities. This is intended to provide participants with options for international internships and career opportunities. Marlene Mühlbach, captain of the TUBAF women's team, emphasized the importance of this contact and networking, which could have a decisive influence on the students' future prospects.

The participants in the competition prepared intensively for the event. The training sessions took place particularly on the site of the “Wismut-Stolln” visitor mine in Biensdorf and on private property in Freiberg. The jackleg drilling area was developed in cooperation with the TS BAU JENA GmbH carried out, which illustrates the close connection between academic training and industrial practice.

Springs of mining history

Participation in the mining games is not only an example of the practical use of the knowledge acquired, but also a reflection of the deep-rooted mining history in Germany. According to the Mining History Department The social, cultural, technical and economic development of mining from its beginnings to the present day is examined. This research covers aspects such as the connectivity of mining regions, the history of knowledge and the development of social security systems in the mining industry.

A particular focus is on the structural changes that mining has left behind in various regions, for example in the Ruhr area. Mechanization, a central aspect of mining since the Middle Ages, is closely related to developments in the industry's knowledge and technology. Questions about the sustainability of mining round off the importance of this historical research and help to develop possible future-oriented solutions.

Overall, TUBAF's participation in the Mining Games shows how important practical experiences are and how closely these are linked to the rich history and current research in the field of mining. Thanks to the support of sponsors and the professorships for raw materials mining and special underground processes, participation in this important competition was made possible.