From 16 to 20 June 2025, the city of Drama (Eastern Macedonia-Greece) was transformed into an international meeting point and platform for dialogue on geoscience, the natural stone industry and innovation, as it hosted the 8th Global Stone Congress. This prestigious international event is dedicated to marble and natural stone, scientific research, technological applications, sustainable development, and the strengthening of links between science and industry. Held for the first time on Greek soil, this edition marked a milestone for the region, offering Drama a unique opportunity to highlight its strategic role on the global map of white marble.
The congress was co-organised by the Hellenic Survey of Geology and Mineral Exploration (H.S.G.M.E.) and the Association of Marble Enterprises of Macedonia – Thrace (A.M.E.M-T), and formed part of the Global Stone Congress series, launched in 2005 in Brazil and now a well-established international institution. The choice of Drama was no coincidence. Along with Kavala and Thassos, the area constitutes one of the world’s most significant white marble formations, contributing decisively to Greek production —70% of which originates here— and exports, which exceed €400 million annually.
The event welcomed dozens of scientists, researchers and professionals from internationally renowned universities and research centres, with participants from Brazil, India, Northern Europe, Portugal and other countries. The programme included presentations of pioneering research projects, talks on technological advancements in the natural stone sector, discussions on circular economy, sustainability, mining and processing activities, as well as panels on cultural heritage and the use of stone in architecture. Participants also visited local quarries and marble processing units, gaining direct insight into the industrial and geological landscape of Eastern Macedonia.
A Global Gathering in Drama City
The opening ceremony took place on Monday 16 June 2025 at the “KOUROS” Hotel in the presence of numerous distinguished guests, including Drama MPs Mr. Anastasios Nikolaides and Mr. Dimitrios Kyriazides, Eastern Macedonia & Thrace Regional Governor Mr. Christodoulos Topsides, Drama Deputy Regional Governor Mr. Michalis Mourvetides, mayors, regional officials, institutional and industry representatives, and the President of the Drama Chamber of Commerce, Mr. Stefanos Georgiades.
Geologist Kostas Laskarides, representing the organising committee and Director of Mineral Resources at H.S.G.M.E., emphasised that the Congress has been an established institution since 2005, originating in Brazil, and this year Greece has the honour of hosting it. The agenda addressed issues such as geological assessment of deposits, technological applications, circular economy, innovative use of quarry waste, and applications in architecture and cultural heritage.
H.S.G.M.E. Director General Dionysis Goutes stressed that choosing Drama was the obvious choice, as the region accounts for 70% of Greece’s marble production and 80% of exports. He also highlighted the importance of sustainable use of natural resources and Greece’s growing presence in international markets, proposing the introduction of a national label for Greek Marble.
Greek Marble: A Pillar of Development and Sustainable Extraction
Secretary General for Energy and Mineral Resources Aristotelis Aivaliotes underlined the historical and economic importance of Greek marble, describing it as “white gold”. Greece ranks second in Europe in marble production, exporting to more than 120 countries and investing in research and technology.
He noted the sector’s contribution to the economy, employment, and local communities, and referred to efforts to promote underground mining as a means to reduce environmental impact and ensure safe, rational exploitation. Particular emphasis was placed on the strategic importance of critical raw materials and Greece’s role in implementing the EU Critical Raw Materials Act (CRMA), aiming at energy autonomy and a green transition.
Finally, he mentioned initiatives for revising the Mining Code, managing post-mining operations, and establishing criteria for sustainable investments in the extractive sector—highlighting the importance of social consensus and environmental responsibility.
Resilience and the Future of Greece’s Marble Industry
Dr. Petros Tzeferes, representing the Ministry of Environment and Energy, underscored the significance and potential of the Greek marble industry. Greece ranks third globally in marble exports, with 75% of production destined for over 100 countries. He placed special emphasis on the marble-rich region of Eastern Macedonia, the epicentre of Greek extraction and production.
Dr. Tzeferes described the Ministry’s role as regulatory and licensing authority, highlighting recent institutional improvements as well as ongoing challenges, such as the need for sustainable mining methods—with a focus on underground extraction for environmental reasons. He stressed the importance of international partnerships and innovation to ensure continued resilience and growth. He concluded by affirming the Ministry’s support for the congress, recognising its contribution to scientific progress and national economic development.
The A.M.E.M-T Intervention: A Message with Vision and Depth
A key highlight of the congress was the dynamic presence of the Association of Marble Enterprises of Macedonia – Thrace (Α.Μ.Ε.Μ-Τ), through two significant interventions:
- Message from the President of Α.Μ.Ε.Μ–Τ, Mr. Georgios Lianos
In a speech rich in symbolism and strategic weight, President Georgios Lianos expressed his belief that hosting the Global Stone Congress 2025 in Drama is a milestone for the marble industry and a springboard for its future development. He highlighted:
- The region’s exceptional geological profile:
“Drama and Eastern Macedonia are among the world’s most important centres for marble extraction and processing. Particularly in the areas of Nevrokopi – Volakas, Granitis and Pyrgoi, 80% of Greece’s total marble exports are quarried and exported.”
- The connection between industry and scientific community:
“Our sector cannot rely solely on experience. It needs scientific substantiation, geotechnical understanding of deposits, new technologies and environmental criteria. The Global Stone Congress 2025 is the ideal platform for this transition.”
- The need for sustainable development:
“Our core principles are sustainable and balanced growth, environmental respect, quarrying safety, and social cohesion. Our members actively support education and sustainability initiatives, as well as scientifically-backed geological research.”
- The sector’s technological advancement:
“The development of underground quarrying—a major innovation over the past 15 years—offers greater safety, reduced environmental impact, and better resource utilisation. A.M.E.M-T. has already submitted relevant legislative proposals to the Ministry of Environment.”
Concluding his address, Mr. Lianos called for a stronger link between the industry and science:
“From empirical knowledge to methodical analysis. From traditional production to scientific utilisation. From local to global. This is the future of Greek marble.”
- Dr. Constantine Baxevanakis: Drama as the Global Capital of White Marble
With evidence-based and strategically targeted discourse, Dr. Constantine Baxevanakis, A.M.E.M-T Board Member and Operations Director at NORDIA S.A., stated:
“Although Drama may not enjoy the international renown of Carrara or Athens, in practice it is the world’s leading producer of white marble.”
He presented key economic indicators that highlight the region’s importance:
- Over 70 active companies in the sector
- More than 2,500 employees
- 100,000 m² of underground mining facilities
- Over 300,000 tonnes of marble exported annually
- Export revenues exceeding €400 million
Strategic Messages from the State
The presence of political leaders was equally crucial.
All representatives of central and local government expressed unanimous support for the sector. Regional Governor Mr. Topsides stated: “Our Region supports every initiative that enhances the economy and the identity of our area. This congress is a symbol of extroversion and progress.”
MP Mr. Kyriazides proposed the creation of a School of Mineral Resources, while MP Mr. Nikolaides remarked: “The congress highlights the importance of the marble sector in the Drama region. We must support it in every possible way.”
In Conclusion
The congress concluded with messages of unity and a shared commitment to sustainable development, with a focus on social consensus, environmental responsibility, and the geostrategic promotion of Greek Marble as a national asset.
The 8th Global Stone Congress is more than just an international scientific gathering. It stands as proof that Greece—and in particular Macedonia and Thrace—possess the resources, expertise, industrial capacity and human capital to lead globally in the natural stone sector.
Through its strategic interventions, A.M.E.M-T is charting a course towards the future: one in which marble is not merely a natural resource, but a national advantage —scientifically validated, industrially harnessed, and internationally promoted with responsibility, quality, and vision.
