UNFC Classification Report of the Breitenau magnesite deposit

The “Breitenau” magnesite deposit in Styria, Austria, is considered to be one of the most extensive magnesite deposits in the Alpine region. Sparry magnesite production started in 1906 as open-pit mining, underground mining started in 1955. Since the beginning, and until today, the mine is operated by the company Veitsch-Radex GmbH & Co OG (formerly Veitscher Magnesitwerke AG), which is a 100 % subsidiary of RHI Magnesita. Mining takes place both at the surface and underground. Approximately 75 % of the total production are sourced from underground mining, while 25 % of production originate from open pit excavation. The product is mostly used as raw material for semi-finished and final refractory products. Removed overburden is used as material for backfilling below ground. On average, 400 kt of magnesite are produced per year, which in 2024 corresponded to approximately 64 % of Austria’s total magnesite production. No exploration reports, pre-feasibility studies, competent person repo…