Ingolf Löffler

Dr. des. Ingolf Löffler is a researcher at the German Mining Museum (Deutsches Bergbau-Museum Bochum) and Ruhr University Bochum, specializing in archaeometallurgy and prehistoric mining. He has been active since 2011 in various roles including Scientific Editor of the journal METALLA and coordinator of early career researchers. His work focuses on early copper metallurgy in Central Europe and the Levant, with extensive fieldwork in Jordan and the Caucasus.

• Current affiliation: Division of Program Area I: Basic Research
• Roles: Researcher, Editor, Project Coordinator
• Key projects: Gold in the Caucasus, Faynan mining district studies

His research spans the technological and social aspects of prehistoric mining, with a particular emphasis on the organizational structures of ancient metal production. Recent work explores the transition from Neolithic to Bronze Age metallurgy and Iron Age innovations in Jordan.

Selected publications analyze copper artifacts from the Bieler See region, deposition practices in the Rhön-Grabfeld area, and cross-cultural metallurgical developments. His projects often involve interdisciplinary collaboration between archaeology, materials science, and history.

Löffler's career includes positions as a scientific employee since 2011, with ongoing doctoral research on the Montanrevier of Faynan in Jordan. He actively contributes to the German Mining Museum's research initiatives and academic outreach programs.