Dr. Johannes H. Tacken was born and raised in Muenster, Germany. He studied civil and mining engineering, and graduated as mining engineer (Diplom-Ingenieur) at Aachen University of Technology (RWTH Aachen), where he also was awarded in 1987 a Dr.-degree in engineering.
Besides several years of research and lecturing at the Department of Surface Mining, Deep Drilling Technology and Oil and Gas Production at RWTH, Dr. Tacken gained additional professional experience in open cast mining in Germany (Rhenish lignite area) and the Philippines (introduction of the first bucket wheel excavators in SE-Asia), as director sales for a German mining supply company (Halbach & Braun) managing director of Westfalia & Braun Zerkleinerungstechnik, a subsidiary of DBT) and as an independent consulting engineer with projects worldwide, thus covering most aspects of the mining industry.
Starting 1988 he assisted to establish the Departments of Mining Engineering and Metallurgy at the University of Zimbabwe (UZ) as a part time lecturer. Simultaneously he focussed on the support of the dimension stone industry of the country in order to establish solid markets in Europe, especially the so called "Black Granite".
He organized and participated in numerous projects in the SADC region. Some of these projects were focused on small scale mining and local community development.
In other parts of the world he was involved in mega- projects on coal and iron ore, copper and molybdenum through due diligence studies, feasibility studies or as independent lenders engineer.
The philosophy of IfB is and always was to use the mineral wealth of a country for it´s sustainable development, minimize environmental impact and strictly combine rehabilitation with all mining activities.
The map below indicates the country experience of Dr. Tacken.
HOW WE WORK
flexible - precise - in time
The company was formally establishment in 1997 and resulted from the informal cooperation with the late Prof. Jürgen G. Voss († 2001), which commenced 1987.
The Association
IfB is an association of engineers and scientists of different background and specialization for the execution of engineering-, research-, consulting and management services.
Specialized Teams for each Individual Project
As the continuous advance in technology asks for specialization to cope with the work required to optimize design and processes, it is obvious that no individual company will ever have the expertise for each one of the specialized fields among its employees. Therefore IfB selected this special form of an engineering association for its organization, where, out of an existing pool of expertise working groups will be formed for each special task. IfB offers services for the entire spectrum of the mining industry and its related fields. The range of services is based on a broad and long-standing experience in the engineering and consulting business worldwide. Due to its form of organization it is the superior aim of IfB to form special working groups for the individual projects.
Combining International and Local Expertise
Wherever possible, we try to combine international and local expertise to ensure the most effective planning and execution of the works.
Responsibility and Sustainable Mining
German companies have large experience in international mining and naturally transfer German mining experience and sustainability standards to foreign countries. IfB combines these standards with the development requirements and chances also in projects abroad in order to fuel economic and social development through resposible mining.
Worldwide Activities
Based on more than 30 years of experience in the consulting field for natural resources in Europe, Asia, Africa and the Americas extensive know-how and experience has been accumulated to serve the industry worldwide. Besides the cooperating experts and individuals IfB has built up a worldwide network of co-operating companies and offices.
OUR PARTNERS
worldwide
Austria
Minex GmbH, Vienna
Germany
Brenk Systemplanung GmbH, Aachen
RMG Ruhr Montan Group GmbH, Bochum
Geoberg GmbH, Olfen
Dr. Frank Wrobel, Beratender Geologe, Garbsen
AMR Aufbereitung Mineralischer Rohstoffe, RWTH Aachen
Martin Schäfer Bau- und Projektleitung International, Hessisch Lichtenau
Deutsch-Internationale Projekt-Vereinigung GmbH & Co. KG, Hessisch Lichtenau
Mineral & Exploration Dr. Thomas Krassmann, Bad Windsheim
Nigeria
High Tech Bullwark Global (Pvt) Ltd., Uyo, Akwa Ibom State
Philippines
Dr. Karl-Friedrich Bandelow, Geologist, Calapa, Mindoro Oriental
Russia
Dr. Yuri Kaputin, Mine Planning Engineer, St. Petersburg
Sudan
S. A. Elkhabir for Multi Activities Co. Ltd., Khartoum
Zimbabwe
Royal Marange Clan (Pvt) Ltd., Harare
GRC Green Resources Company (Pvt) Ltd., Harare
Simbarashe Mukota, Bulawayo
Chiadzwa Mineral Resources (Pvt) Ltd., Mutare
Technical and consulting services & solutions for international mining and ressource projects, offering over 30 years of experience and a vast network of professionals.