Bedeutung der Sand- und Kiesindustrie in Europa

Mineral resources are fundamental to human well being and the development of the European society. Of particular importance are the construction minerals, namely sand and gravel, which are the basis of infrastructure development. More than 3 billion tonnes of sand, gravel (and crushed stone) are produced annually to meet the demands of the European building industry. Mineral extraction in Europe has become more difficult over the years due to increasing concerns for the environment and the lack of appreciation of the importance of the extractive industries for economic development. The challenge for sustainability is to find a balance between securing minerals supply, protecting the environment and achieving social progress.     

Zu Fragen der Ausbildung und Weiterbildung im österreichischen Bergbau

Training and continuous education is today for the management of a mineral producing operation more important than ever before. The focus of education today in the field of mineral producing industry has not only to be dedicated versus the needs of the industry but also versus the importance of the ever increasing need of societal acceptance of industrial operations. Therefore it is expected that graduates from mining schools not only have a good knowledge of technical and economical subjects but also a good background for the realisation of environmental and safety targets for the people at work and in the neighbourhood of an operation. A strong request to the education and training at university level is therefore not only to deliver a broad knowledge but also the formation of a basis which allows to obtain authority for functions as “safety expert”, “Mine rescuer”, “waste disposal expert” and others. In the text the contents of the BSc study program “Natural resources” are reviewed and the training and education for a “Natural Resources Manager” together with the required continuous education is discussed.     

Universitärer Forschungscluster „Sustainable Technologies in Metal Production and Processing” (STMP)

Foundation of a university research cluster — Co-operation along the value creation chain from raw materials to components — Evidence of joint performance offers — Utilization of synergies — Integration of Christian Doppler Laboratories — Flexible arrangement of co-operations and networks