The stone, sand, and clay extraction market - Italy

Since 2020, the global market for stone, sand, and clay has experienced varying trends. The sand market, especially mineral sands, is expected to grow from $44.90 billion in 2022 to $53.74 billion by 2029, at a CAGR of 2.6%. Silica sand, used in industrial applications, is also on the rise with expectations to reach $18.98 billion in 2029 from $11.29 billion in 2022, achieving a significant CAGR of 7.7%. The global stone market expanded from $12.51 billion in 2022 to $13.6 billion in 2023 and is predicted to surge up to $23.5 billion by 2029, marking a CAGR of 9.6%. In contrast, the industrial clay market's growth is moderate, increasing from $5.12 billion in 2022 to an anticipated $7.5 billion by 2029, with a CAGR of approximately 5.64%. These trends indicate a steady demand for basic construction materials, driven by infrastructure and manufacturing even amidst challenges like the Russian-Ukrainian conflict, which has caused price hikes and supply chain disruptions especially in energy, agricultural, and metal products.

Trends in the Italian Stone, Sand, and Clay Market

The Italian market for stone, sand, and clay has displayed certain trends over the recent years that provide insight into the demand within the country. Italy is known for its high-quality stone materials, including renowned varieties such as Carrara marble and Latium travertine. The extraction sector's value has seen growth, from around EUR 2 billion to EUR 2.3 billion in 2021, marking an increase of approximately 13%. The analysis of production sold in tons reveals a fluctuating demand in the different categories. There's been a marked reduction of around 73.8% in the sold production of building limestone between 2021 and 2022, while marble and travertine saw a minor increase of about 18.8%. In the sand category, both silica sands and other types of sands noted an increase in sold production, rising by 21.8% and 49.8% respectively. However, in the clay category, there was a reduction of around 53.6% in production sold. The demand for construction materials closely correlates to the number of construction enterprises, which experienced growth of about 3.9% between 2017 and 2021, particularly due to renovation and modernization incentives introduced in 2020.

Geographically, the Northwest and the Northeast regions feature the highest percentage of extraction sites, collectively accounting for over 49% of the national total. Market structure dynamics within this sector have seen a decline, with the number of active enterprises dipping by approximately 12.6% from 2017 to 2021. Correspondingly, employment in the sector reduced by about 7% during the same period. Limited Liability Companies dominate the market structure, comprising about 69.1% of the legal forms of active enterprises. Regarding producer prices for stone, sand, and clay extraction, there has been a marked increase of around 15.6% from January 2018 to October 2023. Despite varying dynamics, basalt emerged as the most marketed product in volume, accounting for approximately 27% of the total sales in 2022. In response to the market demands, the sector is structured around permitting processes catering to a variety of extracted materials for different uses. Notably, sands and gravels along with construction limestones are significant for the construction sector, categorized under Group A according to regional laws. Meanwhile, certain materials like ornamental stones and silica sands fall under Group B.

Key Players Shaping Italy's Stone, Sand, and Clay Mining Landscape

The Italian stone, sand, and clay mining industry boasts a rich tapestry of established companies, each contributing to the robustness and diversity of this sector. These entities not only extract valuable natural resources but also engage in the artful processing of these materials to meet the varied demands of construction, industrial applications, and artistic endeavors.

• Cava Leonepietra stands out for its remarkable history in the extraction and processing of Gorgoglione's extra-hard Arenite natural stone. With roots tracing back over half a century, the company has manifested the Italian tradition of stone craftsmanship, adapting to modern demands while maintaining the legacy of its founders. Leaders in innovation,
• Ranieri Pietra Lavica demonstrates excellence in promoting natural stone's versatility in interior design. Known for their monolithic block crafting abilities, they provide opulent elements that have become synonymous with luxury residential and hotel projects. On the other hand,
• Mura Antonio Lussorio Ignazio has carved a niche for itself on both national and international platforms. Their expertise in natural stone extraction and processing reflects Italy’s global impact in the industry.
• Menegoni srl marbles, with its foundation in the early 20th century, offers prized materials that the world covets. Their wealth of experience ensures they can fulfill diverse requests for green marble blocks, showcasing the transcendent beauty of Italian stone.
• Grassi 1880 quarries srl brings more than 130 years of experience. Based in Nanto, the company represents the intergenerational transmission of skills and innovation, continually seeking to refine techniques that complement contemporary architectural movements.
• O.M.G. srl (Ossola marbles and granites) is another modern entity with a keen focus on natural stone. Their specialization in extracting, processing, and trading materials from the Ossola Valley has positioned them well within the national and international markets. When it comes to personalized natural stone and marble,
• VielEmozione Pietra has excelled for over two decades. They supply, process, and install these noble materials that transform residential spaces, reflecting the essence and origins of their ancient craft. In the realm of porphyry quarrying,
• Odorizzi soluzioni in pietra srl stands tall as a leader, recognized for offering comprehensive solutions for supply and installation projects. With an extensive portfolio of prophyry types, they have an unparalleled position in the market. 

Inforamtion

• Number of pages : 30 pages
• Format : Digital and PDF versions
• Last update : 20/12/2023

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