The activities of the Marble Observatory will continue in the current year, reinforcing its role as a pivotal institution in the marble industry. This initiative, established through the collaboration of the municipal administration, the Chamber of Commerce of North-West Tuscany, and the Apuan Industrial Zone Consortium, has officially been extended for 2025. Following a successful experimental phase last year, the municipal council, upon the proposal of Mayor Serena Arrighi, recently renewed its commitment to maintaining the Observatory’s operations.
The Observatory was created as a direct outcome of Article 24, which focuses on the traceability of quarried stone materials within the Carrara marble basins. This initiative stems from the broader regulatory framework established in 2020 regarding the granting of marble quarrying rights. One of the most significant contributions of the Observatory has been its involvement in revising market value tariffs for marble, providing essential insights that led to updated pricing models.
As the initiative enters its second phase, the focus will expand to a comprehensive analysis of the entire stone sector. This includes quarrying, processing, and commercial distribution, with a particular emphasis on assessing the direct, indirect, and induced economic and social impacts on the local community. The project is set to run for 12 months, with a possible extension of another year to ensure the stabilization of the Observatory’s activities and structure.
The Observatory will also engage with professionals from the scientific community, drawing expertise from the Chamber of Commerce of North-West Tuscany and the Apuan Industrial Zone Consortium. Key priorities for 2025 include deepening the understanding of traceability concerning extracted stone materials, evaluating the socio-economic implications, and exploring innovation in both process and product development within the marble sector.
