ISMC and Euskalarido sign agreement to boost sustainability and innovation in the aggregates sector
The Iberian Sustainable Mining Cluster (ISMC) and Euskalarido, the Basque Aggregates Association, have formalised a collaboration agreement aimed at strengthening innovation, sustainability and competitiveness in the raw materials sector.
The agreement was signed in Donostia-San Sebastián, marking a strategic alliance between both organisations at a crucial moment for the future of the extractive industry in Europe.
The signing was carried out by Santiago Cuesta López, Director General of ISMC, and Patxi Portugués, President of Euskalarido, in an event that also included the participation of José Antonio Ezquerra, Managing Director of the association.
Driving innovation and circular economy in the aggregates sector
This collaboration will enable the development of joint initiatives focused on industrial modernisation, the green transition and the strengthening of the raw materials value chain, with particular attention to aggregates and ornamental stone.
Key lines of action include:
- Launching collaborative innovation projects
- Promoting circular economy approaches within the extractive sector
- Facilitating knowledge exchange and the dissemination of best practices
- Advancing environmental sustainability initiatives
- Supporting access to funding for strategic projects, particularly for SMEs
In this context, ISMC’s Director General, Santiago Cuesta López, highlighted that the agreement “reinforces our commitment to building strategic alliances that integrate capabilities and create new opportunities at a key moment for the future of raw materials in Europe”.
For his part, José Antonio Ezquerra underlined that cooperation with ISMC “opens new opportunities to share knowledge, promote circular economy in aggregates and strengthen the sector’s positioning within the ecological and digital transition”.
A key sector for the green and digital transition
Although often overlooked, the aggregates and raw materials sector plays a fundamental role in economic development and in the construction of essential infrastructure such as roads, housing and energy systems.
In a context marked by growing demand for critical raw materials and the need to transition towards more sustainable production models, partnerships such as this one are essential to enhance the sector’s capacity to respond to current challenges.
With this agreement, ISMC and Euskalarido reinforce their commitment to a more efficient, innovative and sustainable industry, contributing to the development of a resilient and future-ready raw materials value chain in Europe.