From a technical point of view, the ZauBer research project aims to realize the recycling of ferrous mine sludge from the Roter Graben together with ferrous slag residues. The main focus here is on the extraction of valuable materials and the stabilization of the residues in new types of elution-stable building materials. In addition, from a social point of view, the population should be actively informed and involved at the same time. The main aim is to motivate young people to take an interest in mining, with the aim of attracting new skilled workers through training and/or studies. Among other things, exhibitions and events are planned at terra mineralia.

The planned technical work of the project focuses on the Rote Graben at the Davidschacht waste rock pile development site, which combines mining and waste rock leachate. Within the project period, a demonstrator plant is to be built directly at the Roter Graben in order to test the developed technologies and processes in a real environment.

The project as a whole is intended to make a future-oriented and sustainable contribution to environmentally relevant issues in the field of mine water and sludge, which can be scaled up internationally by regional partners and which also integrates public acceptance. The aim is to find alternatives to disposal, conserve landfill space, reduce CO2 emissions and achieve ecological improvements for flora and fauna.