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Interview September 2024

Born in Leipzig in 1972 and raised in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern and Thuringia, Jens-Peter Lux has had an impressive professional career in the field of geotechnics and mining. After completing his vocational training as a skilled worker in deep drilling technology, he gained his first practical
experience in assembly work before studying geotechnics and mining at the TU Bergakademie Freiberg from 1993 to 1998. Since then, his career has taken him through various stations in the engineering world, initially as a project manager in a Berlin engineering office, where he took on his first management responsibilities. In 2002, he joined DMT, a global engineering and consulting services provider, where he is now Managing Director and a member of the DMT Board. In addition to his operational responsibility in the field of mining and civil engineering, Jens-Peter Lux is also involved in voluntary work, including as President of the VBGU and Senator in the Senate of Economy. His wide-ranging commitment reflects his passion for the raw materials industry - from technical expertise to strategic leadership.

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Jens-Peter Lux

You studied in Freiberg. What made you decide to study at the Bergakademie?

I decided to study at the TU Bergakademie Freiberg because I was fascinated by the interdisciplinary nature of the geotechnical engineering degree programme. The combination of construction projects in rock and soil as well as the outstanding importance of raw materials offered a wide range of possible applications. My enthusiasm for mining and technology further strengthened this decision.

What did you learn during your studies in Freiberg that particularly helps you in your current (research) work?

The approach to and development of pragmatic solutions for complex problems.

What lasting memories do you associate with your time at TU Bergakademie Freiberg?

I have lasting memories of the special community at the comparatively small university, especially in the main study programme, where the closeness to the teaching staff was palpable. I am proud to be a graduate of the oldest mining university in the world, which has an impressive combination of mining tradition and modernity. The student council evenings, the hours in the Reiche Zeche and the legendary evenings in the Ofenblase will also remain unforgettable - as well as the (wild) student life with my mates.

When you look back on your studies with the knowledge you have today: is there anything you would do differently or what you would pay attention to?

All in all, I'm actually very satisfied - basically, one or more semesters abroad would have prolonged things, but certainly rounded them off.

What would you like to give current students in Freiberg as a tip? 

Think globally and acquire intercultural knowledge as well as specialised knowledge. Help to ensure that resources are used responsibly and sustainably. Give mining back its important role, especially in the current times!

What do you find particularly interesting about your current job?

Firstly, working with people from different cultures, as it not only broadens my perspectives, but also enriches collaboration in international projects. Secondly, I find it particularly exciting to work on challenging projects in the field of civil
and mining engineering. It is important to me to make a contribution to the raw materials and energy transition, as I recognise the importance of sustainable resources for the future. Overall, it is an exciting and multifaceted field of work that requires both technical
know-how and social and ethical responsibility.

Do you still have professional or private contacts with TU Bergakademie Freiberg today?

Yes, I am still in contact with TU Bergakademie Freiberg both professionally and privately. I regularly work with various institutes and am often in the mining town, as DMT has its own office there. I also take part in conferences and
always enjoy travelling to the Reichen Zeche and strolling through the mineralogical collection in the castle

Finally, can you tell us your life motto?

Professionally: Engineering Performance /

Privately:
"Never live without laughing"

 

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Jens-Peter Lux_Alumni

My studies

  • First lecture: 07:30 or 14:00? 07:30 (unfortunately)
  • Favourite meal in the canteen? Everything except mustard party :-)
  • Freiberger beer or Saxon wine? The former
  • Uni dress code: Jacket or sweatshirt? The latter

My university

  • My "quiet place": Rock and rock mechanics lab
  • My "I've-never-been-there-place": Missing
  • My "good soul": Waitressing in the Schwemme :-)
  • My "no go": concerts by "Keimzeit" in the Neue Mensa
  • My favourite lecturer: Dipl.-Min. Götz-Peter Rosetz (then head of the rock and rock mechanics laboratory at the Institute of Geotechnics)
  • My toughest exam: geocurrent engineering