2. The Stone Market u Stone industry is of strategic importance to the EU and particularly to the Southern European member states. u 65% of the total world stone production can be attributed to the EU countries, representing a market of about 20 billion EURO. u World trade figures show that the last years the market share of the EU countries has been decreasing steadily in favour of new stone producing countries (China, India, Brasil, Turkey).

3. Stone Industry Problems u Low productivity and efficiency in quarrying and processing operations. u Huge quantities of waste material produced. u Fluctuation in the quality of the final product. u High labour and energy cost in the EU. u Environmental management The prospects for the EU stone industry appear to be promising but a number of problems has to be addressed in order to maintain its leading position in the global market

4. Proposed methodology to address the problems Problem identification Dissemination of BPT to EU industry Research proposals for new technology development Identification of existing technological solutions Best Practice Technology (BPT)

5. What is needed: “a Network”  to disseminate the Network deliverables to the EU Stone Industry Efficient Network structure Active Members Working Groups  to review the existing technologies  to prepare technical editions on best available technologies  to review the current stone market status  to propose new research ideas Dissemination activities  to identify the Sector problems  to assess the proposed technological solutions  to coordinate  to organise the Network activities

6. OSNET Objectives u OSNET aims to bring together all the organisations active in the Ornamental Stones Sector, industry, academia, research institutes, national centres and stone federations. u OSNET will provide the necessary forum to share problems and experience and to facilitate the transfer and incorporation of technology to the interested market companies and organisations.

7. Main Activities u Organisation of an annual Workshop and Sectorial meetings u Development of a market oriented Web site u Edition of a quarterly Newsletter including information on the OSNET activities. u Publication of technical editions of key issues concerning best practice/best solution production methodologies on production, stone characterisation, use of equipment, safety and environmental aspects.

8. Main Activities u Special editions on specific state of the art topics, presentation of emerging and innovative technologies, economic and market reviews and development prospects. u Development of databases including information on technological know-how, equipment, specifications, best practice methodologies and links with the end-users. u Organisation of training courses and seminars.

9. OSNET Structure Quarrying Prof. N. Terezopoulos Processing Dr. S. Midha Stone characterisation Prof. R. Bruno Tools and equipment Eng. S. Carosio Technology Transfer Prof. M. Founti E.C. Scientific Officer Dr. G. Katalagarianakis Coordinator Prof. I. Paspaliaris Risk assessment, safety, environment Eng. S. Pereira

10. Technical objectives Promote new methods for reserve recognition and evaluation of quality. Promote new quarrying methods. Provide the frame for improving the cutting efficiency and the optimisation of machine structure. Support the development of devices to improve productivity rate. Quarrying Sector

11. State of the Art in Dimension Stone quarrying Methods and Instruments for the control and monitoring of the stability condition of Dimension Stone exploitation Optimising Quarrying Techniques and Practices Foreseen editions

12. Members Quarrying Sector Instituto Geologico e Mineiro DIONYSSOMARBLE SA Geological Survey of Norway Laskaridis Marble S.A. Marini Quarries Group s.r.l Naxos Marble S. A. Sector Leader National Technical University of Athens

13. Processing Sector Technical objectives Improve efficiency and reduce cost of stone processing by improving sawing and polishing efficiency and minimising the waste generated Identify the technological needs for the above and engage industry and research institutions in carrying out the necessary research and technology development Support the understanding and dissemination of appropriate new technologies

14. Processing Sector Review on stone processing techniques Review on marble and granite sawing Machining complex shape in stones Stone surface inspection using photometric vision Recycling of granite wastes Foreseen editions

15. Members Processing Sector Sector Leader University of West England

16. Technical objectives Stone Characterisation Sector review on the State-of-the-Art of Stone characterisation identification and spreading of new characterisation technologies stone market analysis: structure, demands and coming development Identification of best practice of characterisation techniques, their harmonisation with the existing regulations inform the stone producers on the existing European stoandards, the rising obligations and of the related deadlines

17. Stone Characterisation Sector Foreseen editions Characterisation targets, methodologies and norms Needs and priorities in stone characterisation

18. Members Stone Characterisation Sector Sector Leader University of Bologna

19. Technical objectives Tools and Equipment Sector support the industry in implementing novel concepts and solutions to their production in order to maintain the world-wide leadership of Europe. open discussion between industrial companies and representatives from the academic and research world. networking with experts in several disciplines that will be considered through synergies with EC initiatives in the field of economic and technological intelligence.

20. Tools and Equipment Sector Foreseen editions Review on quarrying and processing tools and machines Application of diamond technology in the stone sector Introduction of robotics, remote control of operations and integrated machines in the quarry and processing sector

21. Members Tools and Equipment Sector Sector Leader D’ Appolonia S.P.A.

22. Technical objectives Risk Assessment Safety & Environment Sector Identify the State of the Art of the risk assessment, safety and environment of the Ornamental and Dimensional Stones Industry Evaluate the causes and effects of risks associated to working conditions, in order to adopt appropriate measures Define prevention measures, which include also training, and other similar activities.

23. Risk Assessment Safety & Environment Sector Foreseen editions Risk assessment and Safety on Natural Stones (quarries and processing) Best practices on Environment on Natural Stones

24. Members Risk Assessment Safety & Environment Sector CEVALOR Sector Leader

25. Technical objectives Technology Transfer Sector Promote inter-sectorial technology transfer between the different OSNET sectors and between the Sector and the market Facilitate the dissemination of OSNET results to the relevant industry and SME’s. Establish contact between technology developers through technology transfer, demonstration, provision of services and training. Contribute towards the improvement of the efficiency and productivity of the ornamental stone sector by disseminating information on the use and application of modern and non- conventional technologies.

26. Technology Transfer Sector Foreseen editions Open Technology Transfer days (Selection and installation criteria for natural stones in buildings) Training courses (Technology transfer to the stone industry) The current technological situation and the future needs and priorities of the European Stone Industry

27. Members Technology Transfer Sector Sector Leader National Technical University of Athens

28. OSNET database u List of European and non-European ornamental and dimensional stones (characteristics/properties, fields of application) u Innovative technologies and techniques with potential applications in quarrying and stone processing u List of processing machineries (specifications, functions) u Information on abrasives and accessories used in stone processing u List of tools and equipment manufacturers – overview of products

29. OSNET database u Information on stone characterisation technologies and tests u Information on risk assessment methodologies u Main environmental problems related with quarrying and stone processing u Main regulations concerning quarrying, stone processing and tools and equipment u Norms concerning ornamental and dimensional stones u Legislation concerning risk assessment and environmental issues

30. OSNET database u Information on market demands u List of European companies, research institutes and experts involved in quarrying, stone processing, safety and environment u List of European laboratories involved in stone characterisation u List of European projects and publications dealing with various aspects of ornamental stones

31. OSNET Web site www.osnet.ntua.gr

32. Annual Workshops 1 st Workshop Greece, 2001 2 nd Workshop 30 Sep. – 2 Oct. 2002 Pisa, Italy