The 8th Global Stone Congress concluded with great success after five days in Drama. The event was organized by the Hellenic Survey of Geology and Mineral Exploration (H.S.G.M.E.) and the Marble Businesses Association of Macedonia–Thrace, bringing together leading scientists, professionals, and organizations from 12 countries actively involved in the natural stone sector.
This international congress held high prestige for the marble industry — a natural resource that Greece both utilizes and must further develop in a sustainable manner, so that it can generate added value for both society and the economy.
The congress was attended by Members of Parliament for Drama, Mr. Nikolaidis and Mr. Kyriazidis; the Regional Governor of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace, Mr. Topsidis; the Deputy Regional Governor of Drama, Mr. Mourvetidis; the Mayor of K. Nevrokopi, Mr. Tambouridis; the thematic Deputy Regional Governors, Mr. Patakakis and Mr. Iosifidis; the President of the Drama Chamber of Commerce, Mr. Georgiadis; the President of H.S.G.M.E., Mr. Saltas; the General Director of H.S.G.M.E., Mr. Goutis; the President of the Marble Businesses Association of Macedonia–Thrace, Mr. Lianos; executives from marble companies, and many others.
Through a live connection, the Secretary General for Energy and Mineral Resources, Mr. Aristotelis Aivaliotis, emphasized that the importance of marble is reflected in its significant economic multiplier effect, as studies show that for every €1 of marble sales, more than €2 are generated for the economy.
On behalf of H.S.G.M.E., one of the event’s organizers, Mr. Kostas Laskaridis, Geologist and Director of the Directorate of Mineral Resources and Mining at H.S.G.M.E., representing the organizing committee of the Greek Global Stone Congress — held in Greece for the first time — highlighted in his presentation key themes such as the exploration and characterization of natural stones, automation and digitalization of production, circular economy and sustainability, the transformation of waste into resources, environmental and social governance, and the relationship between stone, architecture, the arts, and geocultural heritage.
Of particular interest was the “Rise Into The Future” seminar, which encouraged the exchange of new ideas and visions for the future of the industry, focusing on strengthening interregional cooperation to promote sustainable and innovative development within the natural stone sector.
Participants also had the opportunity to visit natural stone processing plants and quarries of the companies FHL I. KIRIAKIDIS, NORDIA MARBLE, IKTINOS, and PAVLIDIS MARBLE–GRANITE in the Drama area, gaining valuable insights into modern technologies and best practices, further bridging theory and practice.
The congress also featured a significant cultural component: visits to the Archaeological Museum of Drama and the Sculpture Park, where live sculpting sessions by acclaimed artists showcased the historical and artistic dimension of natural stone and its timeless value.