In 2023, the railway transport volume of metal ores, peat, uranium, thorium, and other mining and quarrying products in Germany was approximately 48.2 million metric tons. The forecast from 2024 to 2028 indicates a consistent but slight decline in volume, decreasing from 47.96 million metric tons in 2024 to 47.04 million metric tons in 2028. This represents an average annual decrease of about 0.47% over these years.
Key trends to watch for in the future include:
- Technological advancements in mining and transportation which could optimize and possibly reduce demand for railway transport.
- Environmental policies and sustainability measures that might impact mining practices and transport volumes.
- Potential shifts in global demand and supply dynamics affecting raw material transport.
- The role of alternative energy sources, such as renewables, potentially reducing the demand for peat, uranium, and thorium.