The Tuscany Region’s 2023 Quarry Plan Monitoring Report has been released, providing a comprehensive analysis of quarrying activities, production, and employment in the sector. While the focus is not exclusively on the province of Massa Carrara and the Apuan Alps, it is undeniable that this region is of particular interest, given its importance both in terms of the volume of material extracted and the value of the marble extracted from its mountains.
Key Figures of the Quarrying Sector
To fully grasp the landscape of the Tuscan quarrying sector, it is necessary to examine the hard data. Total regional production stands at around 6 million cubic meters, with approximately 1.565 million coming from the province of Massa Carrara, representing about 25% of the total. This represents a decrease compared to 2022, when volumes amounted to around 1.87 million, but is still higher than 2019, the last pre-Covid year, when they stood at 1.512 million cubic meters. It is important to note that in Massa, the approval process for some Pabe (Quarry Basin Implementation Plans) is still underway.
Quality and Type of Extracted Materials
Almost all the material extracted in the Apuan province falls into the category of ornamental, cut, and derived materials. Despite the decrease in the volume of material extracted, it is above all the quality that has suffered a decline in 2023. High-quality cut ornamental materials reached 263,000 cubic meters, the lowest figure since 2018, even lower than the numbers recorded in 2020, the Covid year. On the other hand, derivatives reached 1.23 million cubic meters, about six times as much as high-quality materials. Only in 2022 were higher quantities recorded, but associated with a higher extraction volume.
Overall Quality Analysis
An analysis of the monitoring data highlights an overall quality yield of around 20%, with derivatives reaching 80%. This figure represents a worrying trend for the sector, as the quality of the material extracted is a crucial factor for the economic value and competitiveness of Apuan marble on the global market.
Conclusions
The Tuscany Region’s 2023 Quarry Plan Monitoring Report provides a clear and detailed picture of the regional quarrying landscape, with a particular focus on the province of Massa Carrara and the Apuan Alps. Despite the decline in volumes and quality of materials extracted, production remains significant. It is essential to continue to carefully monitor and manage quarrying activities to ensure the sustainability and enhancement of Tuscany’s natural resources.
