Current issue 5/2026

Editorial

Dear readers,

with this issue of Mining Report Glückauf, we are continuing our series of articles that present and explore the topics presented and discussed at this year’s MiningForum in Berlin. Once again, it becomes clear that the debate on raw materials production in Germany, Europe and beyond should not revolve solely around so-called critical raw materials. Rather, beyond this group of raw materials – which is generally narrowly defined, as in the Critical Raw Materials Act – there are many others that are essential as the foundation for our economy and also for the energy transition.

In this issue, we trace a path from the past into the future. In doing so, we look back not only from the perspective of preserving technical heritage, but also to consider how we can still draw on past experiences today to shape the extraction of raw materials in the future. Looking ahead reveals what can complement this wealth of experience – digitalisation, automation and artificial intelligence are increasingly supporting mining production methods as well.

Changes and developments are not limited to production itself. In the articles in this issue, we also highlight various aspects of our industry’s commitment to responsibility in practice, including how we manage the necessary impact on nature and the environment and successfully communicate with stakeholders on these matters.

Enjoy reading and Glückauf!