Precious metals in the focus of scientific research
"13. Precious Metals Forum - Analytics, Toxicology and Environment ”took place in Hanau near Umicore and Heraeus
16.04.2012/13/50 Hanau - Whether recycling valuable precious metals, producing important catalysts for exhaust gas cleaning or meter-sized platinum nets for fertilizer production - the range of services and interests of the two precious metal specialists Heraeus and Umicore based in Hanau are almost identical in many areas. It is therefore only logical and consistent that both companies host the “XNUMXth Precious Metals Forum - Analytics, Toxicology and Environment ”were. The two-day forum was held alternately at Umicore in the Hanau-Wolfgang industrial park and in the Richard-Küch-Forum by Heraeus. Over XNUMX participants from industry and universities in Germany and Austria presented the latest scientific research results in the field of precious metals. Umicore and Heraeus are the first companies to host the Precious Metals Forum in cooperation with the Goethe University Frankfurt.
The experts discussed, among other things, possible environmental pollution through the abrasion of platinum and palladium from car exhaust catalysts, the latest detection methods for precious metals in trace analysis and occupational health issues with regard to the biocompatibility of precious metals in the human body. The Hanau hosts were satisfied with the event. "The network between university and industry representatives has in the past provided several solutions to various issues in the field of workplace monitoring and biomonitoring and thus serves the responsible handling of precious metals and their compounds by the industry," said Dr. Matthias Wirth, responsible for innovation and knowledge management in the field of precious metals at Heraeus. “In addition, the exchange gives us an early insight into developments relevant to the precious metal industry,” added Dr. Wolfgang Schneider, responsible for raw materials and regulatory affairs in the field of car exhaust catalysts at Umicore.
Background:
The forum, now held for the 13th time, was founded in 1994 and takes place every two years - with the aim of promoting the exchange of information between scientists about precious metals research. The forum is scientifically coordinated by Prof. Fathi Zereini from Goethe University Frankfurt. As part of the 2010 forum, it was suggested that the Hanau precious metal industry - represented by Umicore and Heraeus - be won as a sponsor and host. Both companies have now complied with this request, as they attach great importance to the close interlinking of science and industry and a responsible, safety and environmental discussion of precious metal-related specialist topics is in the common interest of the otherwise healthy competition.
Umicore is a global materials technology group focused on applications that set it apart from its competitors through its expertise in materials science, chemistry and metallurgy. Umicore generates the lion's share of its revenues from clean technologies such as automotive exhaust gas analyzers, rechargeable battery materials, solar cells and photovoltaic applications, fuel cells and recycling, focusing its research and development primarily on these areas. The Umicore Group has production facilities on every continent and a global customer base. 2011 generated Group sales of 14,5 billion euros (2,3 billion excluding metals). He currently employs about 14 600 employees.
