Historic Mine Waste: A Potential Raw Material Source Boosting Austria’s Supply?

Abstract Critical Raw Materials (CRMs) are vital for Europe’s more environmentally acceptable development and digital transitions, but their supply is heavily dependent on imports from outside the EU. To strengthen strategic autonomy and reduce supply chain risks, the EU is increasingly exploring sustainable domestic sourcing options. Reprocessing historical mining waste could be one such opportunity, which can lead to the recovery of valuable materials previously left behind and also contribute to environmental remediation in contaminated historic mining districts. This article presents an overview of the ongoing progress within the EU-funded project SCIMIN-CRM, with a particular focus on the activities led by multiple departments within the Montanuniversität Leoben, (MUL). Within SCIMIN-CRM, the possibilities of extracting CRMs from mine waste sites across four locations in Europe are investigated, with one pilot site being a historic copper-gold mining district in the vicinity of Spielberg, Austria. The mine waste sites in focus are the result of mining activities from two to three centuries ago and consist of small, scattered piles that are fragmented and partially processed—making them relatively easily accessible for re-extraction. The project is based on field investigations and literature reviews, aiming to develop guidelines for material extraction and handling. While the small scale and scattered nature of the piles presents a logistical challenge, they also offer environmental and economic advantages. This article describes the current findings, methodologies, and potential implications for sustainable resource recovery in Europe.