3. Wiener Rohstofftag: „Magnesite Symposium“ in Hochfilzen, Tyrol
GeoSphere Austria is hosting the Magnesite Symposium in Hochfilzen from May 18 to 20, 2026, as part of the 3. Wiener Rohstofftag.
The symposium will feature presentations on the latest research findings regarding deposit formation and current challenges in the magnesite mining industry, such as CO2-Reduction. The field trip will take participants to the Weissenstein open-pit mine and the RHI-Magnesita magnesia plant.
A public lecture on the topic of “Critical Mineral Resources” rounds out the lecture program. In addition, as part of the Horizon Europe project “MultiMiner,” a workshop on magnesite will be held to present the results and conclusions of the project’s work. You can find the detailed program here:
Experts from industry, geological surveys, universities, and the general public are invited to the symposium to discuss the current state of research, the use, and the supply of magnesite. Participants and speakers from six countries are expected to attend.
Magnesite is a versatile raw material, and its economic importance is correspondingly significant. With a 25% share, Austria is one of the leading producers of magnesite in Europe. Its primary application is in the refractory industry. RHI Magnesita’s open-pit mine in Weissenstein near Hochfilzen is one of several spat magnesite deposits in Austria. High-quality refractory products are manufactured at RHI Magnesita’s own plant in Hochfilzen.
Two projects are currently underway at GeoSphere Austria to investigate the exact processes involved in the formation of magnesite deposits:
Magnesite-symposium_Weissenstein.jpg
The Weißenstein magnesite pit near Hochfilzen (Tyrol). View towards the west. In the background, Henne mountain (2,078 m) on the right and Hohe Mahdstein mountain (2,063 m) on the left. © GeoSphere Austria/Weilbold.