Mathias Burisch Hassel

Professor and Chair

Mathias Burisch-Hassel (née Burisch) is Professor and Head of the Chair of Resource Mineralogy. His research focuses on the formation and evolution of hydrothermal and magmatic mineral systems and the geologic processes controlling the enrichment of (critical) minerals and metals. He combines a broad analytical approach to investigate ore-forming processes on different scale. A particular focus is on translating fundamental process understanding into new approaches for mineral exploration (Mineral Systems Approach.

Ronald J. Bakker

Professor

Ronald J. Bakker is an internationally recognized expert in geological fluids, fluid inclusions and fluid–rock interaction. His research investigates the physical and chemical evolution of fluids involved in mineral formation with emphasis on the associated gases (e.g., H2 and CO2). He is specialized in fluid-inclusion-microthermometry, Raman spectroscopy and advanced spectroscopic techniques. He leads the Chair’s Fluid Inclusion and Raman laboratories, which provide analytical capabilities for reconstructing the conditions of geological processes. 

Johann G. Raith

Professor Emeritus

Johann G. Raith is a mineralogist and economic geologist with extensive experience in the mineralogical and geochemical investigation of ore deposits. His research focuses particularly on tungsten mineralization, the geological processes controlling ore formation and the use of mineral chemistry to evaluate exploration potential. His long-standing work in the Eastern Alps and elsewhere provides an important foundation for current research on critical raw materials at the Chair.

Monika Feichter

Senior Scientist

Monika Feichter is a mineralogist specializing in mineral chemistry and quantitative microanalysis. She is leading the Chair’s electron-beam laboratory, one of the group’s key analytical facilities. Her expertise in electron-beam methods and solid-state analysis supports research ranging from mineral deposits and alteration processes to the detailed characterization of construction materials. One of her main research interests lies on the investigation of the carbonation capacity of geogenic and technogenic materials.

Ferdinand J. Hampl

Senior Scientist

Ferdinand J. Hampl works at the interface of mineralogy, geochemistry and economic geology. His research includes the characterization of mineral systems as well as understanding related alteration and weathering processes that result in the formation of economic magnesite and bauxite deposits. He is also responsible for the Chair’s extensive Mineralogical Collection, which includes historical specimens, mineral resources, teaching collections and geological samples from around the world. 

Ellen Mallas

PhD Researcher

Ellen Mallas research focuses on lithium-bearing pegmatites and the geological processes controlling the formation and evolution of critical mineral deposits. Her work combines field observations, mineralogical characterization and state-of-the art in-situ isotope analyses to better understand crustal lithium fluxes and lithium enrichment using the Yellowknife Pegmatite Field (Canada) as a case study.

Gabriella Obbágy-Arató

PhD Researcher

Gabriella Obbágy-Arató (neé Obbágy)’s research focuses on natural hydrogen in serpentinized and rodingitized ultramafic rocks. She combines field-based, Raman spectroscopic and experimental studies, including high-pressure, high-temperature experimental petrology to simulate hydrogen formation and preservation in fluid inclusions. She uses the Troodos Ophiolite (Cyprus) as a case study to better understand the serpentinization-related processes that produce hydrogen within the Earth’s crust. 

Florian Altenberger 

Affiliated Scientist

Florian Altenberger is an economic geologist specializing in mineral exploration, mineral chemistry and the characterization of ore-forming systems. His research interests lie on the interaction between ore-forming processes and mineral chemistry, particularly in Alpine metallogenetic systems. He combines petrography, electron-beam microprobe analysis and trace-element geochemistry to develop mineral-based exploration indicators. His recent work on scheelite chemistry in Eastern Alpine tungsten deposits/ occurrences highlights the potential of minerals as vectors toward undiscovered resources.

Daniela Tatschl

Office Manager

Daniela Tatschl supports the Chair’s research and academic activities through administrative coordination. She plays a pivotal role in the day-to-day operation and manages the financial and bureaucratic aspects of the research projects at the Chair.