Deutsche Flussspat GmbH (DFG) is pleased to announce that as of July 15, 2024, first underground mine rehabilitation works have commenced in the “Würmtal-Adit”, part of the Käfersteige Fluorspar Mine. The measures are are a first step towards DFG´s goal of recommissioning the mine, which was closed in 1996 but is still considered one of the largest fluorspar deposits in Europe, just outside the city of Pforzheim. It was made possible by the successfully completed financing round (announced on June 20, 2024). The raised funds are being directly invested to advance the project.
Fluorspar is a critical raw material that plays a crucial role in the pharmaceutical-chemical industry, in metal production, the manufacture of specialty glass and ceramics, among many others. The demand for this mineral has significantly increased in recent years due to the development of modern lithium-ion batteries and other renewable energy technologies such as solar cells. Since there is no substitute for fluorspar in those applications, it is consequently classified as “critical” by Germany and the EU. With the reopening oft he Käfersteige Mine, DFG aims to make a vital contribution to the supply security of this critical raw material for Germany and Europe.
Prior to the restart of operations, it is necessary to secure the accessible underground parts of the mine, that had been left unattended for almost 30 years, in ordert to gain safe access. The Würmtal-Adit, which until 1990 acted as the main haulage level for all fluorspar extracted from the mine, is intended to serve as a secondary egress during future operations. No further use oft he adit beyond this one is planned. Rehabilitation places a particular emphasis on protecting the existing bat habitat in the area. DFG is committed to environmental conservation and implementing modern, sustainable solutions. Therefore, all works have been carefully designed and coordinated with the relevant authorities and are supervised by an officially recognized bat expert to ensure that the habitat is not impacted in the future.
Work is progressing well and expected to be completed by mid-August. Within the process of recommissioning the mine, no further construction measures are planned for the Würmtal-Adit.