Bahram Shakouri, head of the Mining and Mineral Industries Commission of the Iran Chamber of Commerce, addressed the status of the stone industry and its export capacities at a press conference today. He announced that by utilizing new technologies in stone processing, productivity can be significantly increased.
Innovative Technologies and Waste Reduction
Shakouri said: "One of the latest technologies used in the stone processing industry is high-efficiency soft stone cutting machines. These machines can reduce waste and increase the productivity of extracted stone by 35 to 40 percent." He added: "Chinese companies produce these machines, and several players in Iran's stone industry have purchased this equipment. We hope that the use of this technology expands in the country's stone processing factories."
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The head of the Mining and Mineral Industries Commission, referring to the production and export statistics of stone in the country, said: "In 2024, Iran produced about 10 to 12 million tons of stone, but the export value of this product was only about $230 million. Meanwhile, the global export value of stone reaches about $42 billion, and Iran's share of this market is very negligible."
The Importance of Reducing Carbon Footprint
Shakouri also highlighted the importance of reducing carbon emissions in various industries and said: "Reducing energy, water, and waste consumption in the production process not only has positive environmental impacts but can also reduce production costs and give Iranian producers a competitive advantage."
He added: "Equipment and devices for measuring and managing carbon have been imported into Iran, and training for industry players is essential. A carbon passport for stone products should be created, and we need to align with international standards."
He stated that about two years ago, a campaign titled "Natural Stone Zero Carbon" was launched in collaboration with the President of the American Stone Association, continuing: "This campaign aims to reduce carbon emissions in the production of natural stone. Consumers in global markets pay attention to the amount of carbon produced by the products they purchase, and the stone industry must be able to provide accurate and reliable information in this regard."
Shakouri concluded by mentioning the target to increase stone exports to $5 billion, stating: "Iran's stone industry can generate at least $5 billion in foreign exchange and exports for the country. Our goal is to both expand the size of the stone market and increase Iran's share of the global market."
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