Der österreichische Bergbau: Nationale und internationale Aspekte

Since July 2022, the mining division, including its regulatory and policy departments, has been under the jurisdiction of the Austrian Federal Ministry of Finance (BMF). In 2024, the ministry is introducing two new national funding programs aimed at enhancing geological exploration and fostering innovation in raw material extraction. The national and international production of raw materials is examined, highlighting shifts in global production shares towards Asia, while Europe and North America are losing shares. Price developments for oil, gas, and metals are analyzed, showing stabilization and market dynamics. The European Union’s regulatory developments, including the Critical Raw Materials Act and the Net-Zero Industry Act, aim to improve supply security and promote sustainable technologies. Additionally, new EU regulations target the reduction of methane emissions in the energy sector, reflecting the broader push for environmental responsibility in resource management.