The Leixões Cruise Terminal became the epicenter of global developments for the natural stone and mineral resources sector on July 7 and 8, 2026, successfully hosting the StonebyPORTUGAL SUMMIT 2026.
Under the main theme “Two Days · One Industry,” this premier event — where ASSIMAGRA played a leading role — brought together the elite of the industry, academia, and politics. More than 30 distinguished speakers and experts analyzed the challenges, innovations, and strategies that will define the sector over the next decade.
Stone Day: Innovation and Sustainability at the Core
The first day of the Summit (July 7) was dedicated exclusively to natural stone, focusing on the green transition, digital technology, and cutting-edge structural applications.
Green Transition and Financing
The opening session was led by the Mayor of Matosinhos, Luísa Salgueiro, alongside Isabel Quintas (AICEP) and Miguel Goulão (ASSIMAGRA), followed by a keynote on the geostrategic framework of the sector by Tiago Lopes (U. Lusíada).
The morning sessions highlighted:
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Decarbonization & Environmental Footprint: Presented by Célia Marques (ASSIMAGRA), showcasing the power of data-proven numbers in sustainability.
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Green Financing: Natália Alencar (Banco Português de Fomento) outlined the financial tools available to support industrial decarbonization.
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Resilience Fund for the Natural Stone Sector: Introduced by Pedro Nunes (CraftGest Consulting).
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International Logistics: Discussed by Ana Gonçalves (APAT).
Digitalization and Structural Engineering
The afternoon shifted focus toward industrial evolution and utilizing stone as a primary structural element.
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Digitalization: In a panel moderated by Nuno Ferreira (Deloitte), experts Joana Frazão (Fravizel), Pedro Amaral (IST), Diogo Custódio (JULIPEDRA), and Agostinho da Silva (CEI) debated whether digitalization provides internal efficiency or real value for the end customer.
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Manuals & Digital Passports: The Natural Stone Architecture Manual in Construction was presented by Vera Pires (IST), while the Construction Regulation & Digital Product Passport for Natural Stone was detailed by Marta Ferreira (CTCV).
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New Structural Applications: Renowned architect Amin Taha (GROUPWORK) delivered a compelling keynote titled “New Structural Applications of Natural Stone: A Niche or a Change in Construction?”, followed by a roundtable with João Fonseca (UBI), António Rocha (Tecnibuild), and Margarida Sousa (dimpomar), concluding with the presentation of the case study BROOT – Dialogues From Within.
Mining Day: Critical Raw Materials and National Sovereignty
The second day (July 8) turned the spotlight onto mining products, critical raw materials, and Portugal’s strategic role in Europe’s energy transition.
Economic Impact and Licensing
The morning was opened by Miguel Goulão (ASSIMAGRA) and the Deputy Minister and Secretary of State for Energy, Dr. Jean Barroca. This was immediately followed by a keynote from Pedro Brinca (Nova School of Business and Economics), who presented a major study co-developed with ASSIMAGRA on “The economic impact of the mineral resources sector in Portugal.”
Other major highlights included:
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Critical Minerals Keynote: António Costa Silva examined what is at stake on the global stage for the coming decade.
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Land & Licensing: Célia Marques (ASSIMAGRA) moderated a panel featuring Patrícia Falé (DGEG), Teresa Ponce de Leão (LNEG), and Inácio Esperança (ANMP) discussing the subsoil as a strategic asset.
Portuguese Lithium and European Strategy
In the afternoon, discussions centered around regional energy security and supply guarantees:
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Lithium Roundtable: Moderated by Victor Francisco (CTCV), speakers Emanuel Proença (Savannah Resources), António Silva (CTCV), Romeu Vieira (European Federation of Geologists), and António Braz Costa (CENTI) analyzed the role of Portuguese lithium at the heart of the European energy transition.
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Securing Critical Raw Materials: Miguel Goulão (ASSIMAGRA) led a discussion on securing supplies for strategic infrastructure and national sovereignty with Daniel Rebelo (EDM) and José Rodrigues (JJR).
A Strong Vision for the Future
The Summit concluded with an official address from the Portuguese Minister of Infrastructure and Housing, Miguel Pinto Luz, followed by a Porto de Honra networking reception.
ASSIMAGRA extended its warmest gratitude to all speakers, moderators, partners, sponsors, and attendees who made this edition a resounding success, proving once again that the future of mineral resources and natural stone is built together.
