The Technological Centre for Mineral Raw Materials and Materials (CTM), one of our partners at ROTATE, participated in the Global Stone Congress 2025, held in Drama (Greece) from 16 to 20 June 2025. One of our presentations at the Congress focused on showcasing the results of valorizing mining sludge in construction applications through additive manufacturing. This work was carried out within Task 4.2 of the European ROTATE project, which uses these residues as raw material to produce micro-concretes.
The presentation, entitled: Valorization of aggregate-washing and stone sludges in innovative applications in construction, was delivered by Francisco Javier Fernández Cortés, Director of the Technological Centre.
The 8th Global Stone Congress, held in the historic city of Drama, Greece, brought together leading researchers, experts, and professionals from around the world to discuss the latest advances in the study, application, and technology of stone across various fields, including geology, materials science, circular economy, environmental and social governance, architecture, and geoconservation.
The congress served as a platform for presenting cutting-edge research, innovative methodologies, and technological advances shaping the future of the stone industry. Topics of interest ranged from advancements in geological methods and materials science to improve the identification, mapping, and technical assessment of natural stone deposits, to the integration of smart technologies such as AI and digital modelling to modernize quarries, recycling of stone by-products, growing importance of regulatory compliance, and exploration of the aesthetic, cultural, and structural roles of natural stone in both contemporary and heritage architecture.
In addition to high-level presentations and technical sessions, the event offered opportunities for collaboration and networking among academics, professionals, and industry leaders, fostering the exchange of knowledge and ideas that will drive progress in the global stone sector.
