Abstract This thesis addresses the issue of the optimization of the mining method in the open pit limestone- mine Mannersdorf belonging to the “Lafarge Zementwerke GmbH”. In the first part of this thesis, the mining processes within the open pit mine are described and the essential subdivisions like drilling, blasting and hauling as well as auxiliary processes are analyzed. The results are then taken as foundation for a variant comparison study. The elaborated extraction alternatives in the second part of this thesis are compared by means of 7 criteria in the course of an utility analysis. 1.Multi- bench extraction system with wheel loaders as main hauling machines 2.Multi- bench extraction system with a hydraulic excavator as the main hauling machine 3.Multi- bench extraction system with a gravity- based hauling system. 4.Mechanical excavation using a “surface miner” 5.Single- bench extraction method with reduced bench heights The utility analysis shows that variant 3 (extraction with surface miner) has the highest utility value, by taking the prior defined 7 criteria into account. Considering the economic aspects, the conversion to variant 3 seems to be favorable. The current state of knowledge involves uncertainties regarding the pick tool wear and the missing proof of actual feasibility. After additional examinations and a pilot operation although, a final assessment of variant 3 is possible. A single- bench extraction with reduced bench heights is favorable in comparison to the current mining method, because of the higher employee security and lower surface vibrations when blasting. The quality control and the production amount although would be negatively affected when changing the extraction method to this variant. The current mining method therefor should be maintained. To secure improvements regarding the quality- control it is recommended to mine out over the full single- bench width. In 2026 a shift to variant 3 (extraction with a surface miner) would be possible.