In December 2021, the REMEX Group took over the Kamsdorf opencast mine, a long-established quarry in the municipality of Unterwellenborn, which has existed in its current form since the early 1960s. This marked the beginning of a new era for the municipality and the district. REMEX’s entry into the market benefits the region in many ways.
“I am glad that a competent operator is continuing the open-cast mining tradition here.”
Marko Wolfram, District Administrator Saalfeld-Rudolstadt
New owner brings fresh impetus
As part of a share deal, REMEX acquired 100 % of the shares in the former Großtagebau Kamsdorf GmbH (GTK) from Wayss & Freytag Ingenieurbau AG. In addition to land and buildings, the acquisition also included mining rights and a licence to explore for limestone and greywacke for the production of gravel and grit. The company was renamed REMEX Kamsdorf GmbH as part of this process.
Strategic step
The aim was to strengthen REMEX’s commitment in the eastern federal states by entering the market in Thuringia and to further diversify activities across the respective region. In addition to expanding disposal capacities for uncontaminated soil and construction waste, the company sees major sales advantages in expanding its customer portfolio to include natural construction materials.
„Thuringia is one of the federal states with rapidly growing demand for waste disposal and construction materials. Large-scale opencast mining allows us to tap into extensive capacities, opening up further potential for value creation.“
Jens Gerisch, Managing Director REMEX Kamsdorf GmbH
Examples of positive developments
Reliable supply of building materials
REMEX Kamsdorf extracts limestone, greywacke and clay slate from its open-cast quarry. A total of 200,000 to 400,000 tonnes of these materials are supplied annually, primarily to the regional market. The processed products are used in the local construction industry, but also in gardening and landscaping.Further quantities are used in road construction and civil engineering or by the insulation, cement and brick industries.
Setting the course for the future
To secure the supply of construction products for the next generation, REMEX is investing in the development of tomorrow’s mining areas. Potential expansion areas for large-scale opencast mining are being proactively explored, assessed for suitability and prepared for use. The work involved is extensive, ranging from drilling and data analysis as a basis for planning to supporting approval procedures.
In addition to the high level of professionalism in its core business, REMEX’s financial strength and the company’s sense of responsibility in terms of sustainability have a particularly positive impact on the region
Investments for more recycling
As an expert in mineral recycling, REMEX is also creating capacity for sustainable construction material recycling in Kamsdorf. The plan is to set up the necessary infrastructure for the reuse of construction waste on the opencast mining site. A plant permit for the processing of demolition concrete is already in place. Over the next few years, the permit is to be extended to include materials such as bricks, mortar and soil.
Responsible recultivation
Since the early 1990s, disused sections of the opencast mine have been recultivated in an environmentally friendly manner. To make this possible, REMEX incorporates around 300,000 tonnes of uncontaminated soil and mineral construction waste into the site each year. The aim is to prepare the site to such an extent that it can be used for local agriculture. To date, areas totalling around 20 hectares have already been recultivated. This corresponds to a total area of around 28 football pitches.
REMEX’s goal is to recover the mineral resources from the opencast mine while at the same time creating a safe and environmentally sound final state for the 120-hectare site
Reorientation for greater disposal security
In addition to the backfill material currently used, the use of other mineral construction waste is planned for the recultivation of excavated areas. Suitable uncontaminated ash or slag, for example, could be used for this purpose. REMEX is currently working on specific plans for this project, which requires approval as a class I landfill site. From today’s perspective, it can be assumed that the planned materials will be able to be deposited from around 2027.
Habitat for plants and animals
Disused opencast mining areas are an attractive habitat for flora and fauna. When recultivating and backfilling the site, REMEX therefore pays particular attention to nature conservation and species protection. For example, areas are created or kept clear where plants and animals can settle. The plan is to preserve around 15 to 20% of the entire opencast mining site as fallow land where nature can develop freely and without human intervention.
Guided tours of the opencast mine accompanied by biologists provide information about nature conservation in the quarry. An observation tower is also planned for first-hand nature observation
Employment and jobs
REMEX’s commitment creates jobs that are urgently needed in rural areas. Around 25 people are currently employed at the Kamsdorf opencast mine, including trainees. However, the positive impact on the labour market reaches further, as REMEX regularly awards contracts to local partners – whether craftsmen and transport companies or drilling companies and engineering firms. This also creates employment and secures local jobs.
Good neighbour
REMEX is committed to good neighbourly relations at every location. This includes promoting local initiatives in the areas of education, sport and culture. In Kamsdorf, REMEX is also involved in two specific areas: to support the community’s tradition as a mining region and promoe the use of the opencast mining site as a highlight in the regional tourism concept. The opencast mine is particularly attractive as a nature experience, but the site is also used as an unusual venue for events.
As a film location and backdrop, or for events such as the European Truck Trial: the opencast mining site is also in demand as an unusual venue
With its Kamsdorf site, REMEX is making an important contribution to the sustainable development of the region. The combination of raw material extraction, recycling and recultivation not only strengthens the circular economy, but also boosts local infrastructure and employment.
Further details on raw material estraction, recycling activities and regional development can be found on the German Kamsdorf website remex-kamsdorf.de
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