Doing Business in Austria 237the entire country, and an aluminum plant near the border
with Germany that is one of the largest in Europe.
Austria is famous for crystal (Swarovski), porcelain, leather
and ski equipment. Not only does the country produce top of
the line skis, it is also a major manufacturer of ski lifts.
Mining
Important minerals have been mined in this region since
prehistoric times. The key minerals found in Austria are
iron ore, lignite, gypsum, salt, limestone and magnesite.
Aluminum, lead and copper are also produced here.
Energy Resources
Austria lacks major energy sources and must import more
than 80 per cent of its oil and natural gas. Most of the latter is
piped in from Russia. While small reserves of oil can be found
north of the Alps, it is mainly imported from the Middle East.
Near the airport on the outskirts of Vienna is the Schwechat
refinery, one of the largest in Europe.
Most of the power produced within Austria comes from
hydroelectric power stations located in mountain areas, the
Alpine foothills and on the Danube River. In fact, Austria is
the number one producer of hydroelectric power in the EU.
Nuclear power is not generated in the country.
Austria is interested in developing alternative sources of energy, such as
wind power.