Jens Gutzmer

Jens Gutzmer is Professor and founding Director of the Helmholtz Institute Freiberg for Resource Technology (HIF) at Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf. His research focuses on developing sustainable technologies for mineral resource extraction and recycling, with expertise in geometallurgy, mineral characterization, and hydrothermal systems. He holds a visiting professorship at the University of Johannesburg and leads international collaborations in resource technology.

Education includes a Diplom in Mineralogy (Technical University of Clausthal-Zellerfeld, 1993) and PhD in Geology (Rand Afrikaans University, 1996). His research investigates mineral deposit formation, resource recovery from secondary sources, and sustainable materials processing. Recent work emphasizes circular economy approaches for critical raw materials.

Research encompasses geometallurgical process optimization, 3D mineral quantification, and novel extraction methods. Publications demonstrate consistent focus on resource efficiency, with recent articles exploring electrolyzer recycling, tailings reprocessing, and sustainable electronics design.

Awards include:

• President Award of NRF South Africa (1999)
• Waldemar E. Lindgren Award (2002)
• TWAS Award (2007)
• Mercator Professorship (2003-2004)

Directs HIF's research infrastructure including FlexiPlant for recycling 4.0 technologies and metallurgy pilot plants. Leads European Rare Earths Competency Network initiatives and advises Rock Tech Lithium Inc.