PRESS RELEASE: Würm, February 19, 2025 – The Deutsche Flussspat GmbH (DFG) team was delighted to welcome around 80 guests from politics, regional business, and the local community to our public information event in Würm near Pforzheim. Pforzheim’s First Mayor, Dirk Büscher, delivered welcoming remarks, emphasizing the significance of reopening the Käfersteige mine for both the city and the wider region.
The event provided a platform for open dialogue and in-depth information sharing. Industry veterans and newcomers alike had the opportunity to learn about the project through interactive information stands and direct discussions with the DFG team. As a Pforzheim-based startup, the mission of DFG is to resume the extraction of fluorspar—a critical raw material—from the historic Käfersteige mine. By doing so, we aim not only to create jobs but also to sustainably strengthen the regional value chain in Würm.
One visitor shared their thoughts: “I still remember the Käfersteige mine from when Bayer AG operated it. I was surprised to learn today about its continued potential and just how essential fluorspar is as a raw material for all of us.” This sentiment was echoed by many attendees. While fluorspar is indispensable to various industries and everyday life, its significance often goes unnoticed. Visitors were particularly intrigued to discover its diverse applications—ranging from toothpaste and medications to computers and lithium-ion batteries, fluorspar plays a crucial role in shaping our daily lives and future technologies.
Managing Director Simon Bodensteiner expressed his satisfaction with the many insightful discussions and reflected: “Almost three years ago, we acquired the extraction rights to the Käfersteige mine. Since then, we have worked intensively to prepare for its reopening. Securing the Würmtal adit in mid-2024 was the first visible sign that the mine is gradually awakening from its slumber. The continued positive feedback from the community reassures us that we are on the right track. This spring, we plan to submit the necessary permitting documents to the relevant authorities.”
Fluorspar is a versatile and indispensable raw material. In recent years, demand has surged due to advancements in lithium-ion battery technology and the growth of the microelectronics industry. Recognized as a critical raw material by both Germany and the EU, fluorspar is irreplaceable in these applications. With the reopening of the Käfersteige mine, DFG aims to contribute significantly to Germany’s and Europe’s supply security for this essential resource.
For further information, please contact:
Alena Wagner, public relations
wagner@deutsche-flussspat.de
+49 7231 298 30-0
