Der Bergbau Österreichs im Wissenszeitalter

Abstract

Mining and its technological development has always been closely linked with the history of human civilization. And also the 21st century, marked by a transition from the industrial society to the knowledge society, will not see mining lose importance. First, because demand for raw materials will continue increasing with countries in transition, as currently China and India, catching up and the world population still growing. Second, technological advances, as for instance in the materials sector, will not replace natural raw materials for a foreseeable period of time. The future challenge in mining is to optimize raw material extraction for its economic efficiency and ecologic compatibility, while ensuring best safety standards. The Leoben Mining University therefore aims at further strengthening its position as a Center of Excellence of worldwide renown and a geoscience center of competence.