Wolfram marks 50th anniversary with two state honours and a celebration of its people
In its 50th anniversary, Wolfram Bergbau und Hütten AG received the coats of arms of Styria and Salzburg, recognising five decades of the company’s longstanding contribution to employment, regional value creation and industrial development across both states. The milestone was celebrated together with employees, families and guests during the anniversary events in St. Martin im Sulmtal and Mittersill.
Governor Mario Kunasek presented the Styrian coat of arms during Wolfram’s anniversary celebration at its St. Martin im Sulmtal facility on 19 September 2026. Governor Karoline Edtstadler presented the Salzburg coat of arms three days later, recognising 50 years of mining at Mittersill.
Together, the awards recognise the contribution of two locations that form one connected operation. Wolfram began mining scheelite at Mittersill in the early 1970s., while St. Martin has evolved into a global production and recycling hub, supplying high-quality tungsten powders for customers around the world.
Governor Mario Kunasek presenting the Styrian coat of arms.
In Styria, Governor Kunasek described the coat of arms as a milestone in Wolfram’s history and recognised the importance of mining and metal processing to the state. The St. Martin facility stands on the site of a former lignite mine that closed in 1975, linking Wolfram’s current production and recycling activities with the region’s mining and industrial heritage.
In Salzburg, Governor Edtstadler highlighted Wolfram’s international success, its contribution to employment and value creation in Pinzgau and its continuing investment in the region. The new state-of the-art underground processing plant at Mittersill represents a significant investment in the site and the future security of tungsten supply.
The anniversary year also saw Wolfram receive Recognition for Company Achievements awards from the Chambers of Commerce of both Styria and Salzburg. The recognitions were presented by Helmut Röck on behalf of the Styrian Chamber of Commerce and Anita Wautischer on behalf of the Salzburg Chamber of Commerce.
Governor Karoline Edtstadler presenting the Salzburg coat of arms.
Anniversary brings employees and guests to St. Martin
More than 400 guests attended Wolfram’s 50th anniversary celebration at the St. Martin factory, including employees and their families, retired colleagues, external guests and representatives of the Styrian state government.
The factory remained at the centre of the event. Guests followed a five-station route through the operation, where they learned how Wolfram transforms raw and recycled materials into high-quality tungsten carbide and tungsten metal powders. Employees guided guests through key production and recycling processes, providing a firsthand look at the technology, expertise and innovation behind the company’s operations.
The route also gave employees an opportunity to show their family members and children where they work and explain what happens across the factory. Questions at each station turned the tour into a family rally, with one participant winning a Wolfram coin made from tungsten.
A further highlight was the participation of the Berg- und Hüttenkapelle , a longstanding tradition at Wolfram’s major celebrations in St. Martin. The traditional mining music added a ceremonial touch to the anniversary event and highlighted the company’s strong connection to its mining heritage.
The anniversary celebration concluded with the burial of a time capsule on the St. Martin factory grounds. Its contents include messages from employees and guests, Wolfram’s 50-year chronicle and a commemorative stone from the Mittersill mine. Samples of the first powders produced at St. Martin in 1977 were also placed inside.
The time capsule was buried on site in St. Martin im Sulmtal during the anniversary celebrations.
Reflecting on its significance, David Goulbourne, President of the Powder Solutions division at Sandvik, said: “Inside the Wolfram time capsule, we captured a snapshot of who we are today and a bridge to the future. When it is opened in 2076, it will serve as a reminder of the past and how much the world around us continues to evolve and change.”
Andreas Raffelsberger, CFO added: “Tradition without innovation becomes a museum; innovation without tradition loses its footing. We have both tradition and innovation therefore Wolfram's best years are still ahead of us.”
More than a record of the past, the time capsule represents Wolfram's commitment to the future. As the company continues to develop new technologies and expand its global reach, the capsule serves as a link between today's achievements and the innovations still to come. It will remain sealed until 2076, when it is reopened as Wolfram begins its next half-century.
Want to know what 50 years of tungsten production can teach us about supply resilience?