Developing the Networking and Material Facilities of Stone Sector Enterprises
Funded by Euregio Karelia Neighbourhood Programme 2001-2006

Objective of the project

The goal of the project was to improve the operational capacity of the natural stone industry in Finland and Russia by assessing the scope of the building and soap stone deposits, researching production feasibility of interesting stone varieties, and developing mining technology. In addition, operational potential for companies was to be improved through increasing cooperation, and by creating a cooperation network and business cooperation concept across the border.

Main activities

• Implementing practical functions related to business and marketing and the nature and durability of the stone deposits to support the operational capacity of businesses and the economic environment of the region, • Establishing of a network across the border and the associated company cooperation using market research and direct contact between companies.

Achievements

The project implemented practical functions related to business and marketing and the nature and durability of the stone deposits. The actions were to support the operational capacity of businesses and the economic environment of the region. The studies focused on the sites that were seen as having the most potential. Soapstone suitable for production was discovered to be sufficient for planning large-scale fireplace and building stone industry operations and making investments. In addition the characteristics of the stone were found to meet production requirements. The project started developing business activity across the border and increased cooperation between Finnish and Russian companies. A company has thereafter started production operations on Rahikkalanvaara Hill. The stone referred to as Lappia Silver is in high demand. Further research has been completed in the area and research methods have been tested that could be used to discover the natural stone variety using electromagnetic measurements from the surface of the earth. The Juurikkaniemi soapstone deposit has also been further studied and been verified as having ample supply for production. The project was very successful from the perspective of utilisation of the studied natural stone deposits. Companies have used their own funding for research and production investments after the ending of the project. The natural stone reserves are not being fully capitalised on due to the current stage in the economic cycle. However, the potential in the stone deposits provide significant opportunity for growth. Roughly estimated, the studied natural stone reserves are sufficient for 50 years with a turnover of MEUR 50 annually. The direct employment effect would be approximately 500 persons and the indirect employment effect would be several times greater. The activity can be expected to have a significantly positive effect on employment in the future.