Honggi Lee, Governor of Geochang County, Seeks Solutions to Stone Industry's Management Difficulties

Over 20 Industry Stakeholders, Including Quarry and Processing Companies, Gather for Discussion
Challenges Raised Over Production Costs, Sales Channels, Labor, and By-product Disposal
Proposals Include Infrastructure Upgrades at Namsan Industrial Complex and Expanded Use of Local Stone in Public Projects
County to Pursue Follow-up Measures: Granite Industry Status Survey and Formation of Development Council

The stone industry in the Geochang area of South Gyeongsang Province is facing difficulties due to shortages in local granite production, increased production costs, and reduced sales channels caused by a downturn in the construction sector. Industry stakeholders have called on Geochang County to come up with countermeasures.

On the 10th, Geochang County announced that it had held a "Stone Industry Field Communication Meeting" at the Geochang Stone Industry Cooperative office, attended by over 20 participants including members of the Quarry Association and stone processing companies. The county listened to updates on the regional stone industry and heard about the challenges facing the sector.

[Photo provided by Geochang County] Hongki Lee, Governor of Geochang County, is sharing opinions with representatives from the Stone Quarry Association and stone processing companies about local stone industry issues such as raw stone supply difficulties, increased production costs, and reduced sales channels at the "Stone Industry Field Communication Meeting" held at the Geochang Stone Industry Cooperative office.

The main issue raised at the meeting was the raw stone procurement problem. Industry representatives explained that, due to insufficient local raw stone production, stable sourcing of raw materials has become difficult, leading to increased production costs.

Issues related to reduced stone demand and sales channels amid the construction market slump were also discussed. Processing companies reported that the prolonged contraction in the construction market is worsening business conditions, and that they are also struggling to secure skilled workers and develop new technologies.

The meeting also covered issues with the disposal of by-products such as stone powder generated during processing. Industry stakeholders requested a review of support measures, pointing out that the costs of transporting and treating stone powder and other by-products are a significant burden for companies.

Difficulties arising from quarry development, various permits and approvals, and environmental complaints were raised as additional issues. The industry explained that, due to the nature of the stone sector, stable quarry operations are essential for raw stone production, but complex administrative procedures, environmental regulations, and ongoing civil complaints make development a challenge.

To address these challenges, industry representatives argued that there is a need to first conduct an accurate investigation of the entire local stone industry, including production, distribution, and processing. They also requested the establishment of a regular consultative body where the government and industry can discuss ongoing issues, alongside measures to address raw stone production and supply shortages.

Suggestions were also made to strengthen the industry's foundation and expand sales channels. Proposals included converting business types and improving infrastructure at the Namsan Industrial Complex, enhancing the role of the Geochang Granite Research Center in supporting local companies, and increasing the use of locally produced and processed stone in public sector projects.

Honggi Lee, Governor of Geochang County, stated, "We will review the key issues raised by the industry, such as raw stone supply, rising production costs, and reduced sales channels, and consider what administrative support can be offered."

Based on the issues raised at the meeting, Geochang County plans to conduct a "Geochang Granite Industry Status Survey" in the second half of this year.

The survey will identify the current state of production and procurement of local granite, as well as assess overall industry operations. Based on the findings, the county will consider formulating medium- and long-term response measures.

The county also aims to establish the "Geochang Stone Industry Development Council" by the end of this year, creating a consultative body that includes industry representatives, the government, and experts. The county also plans to enhance the company support functions of the Geochang Granite Research Center.

In regard to stone powder waste generated during processing, the county will initiate a project to subsidize transportation costs, offsetting some of the companies' disposal expenses.

However, issues such as raw stone supply, quarry development and permitting, conversion of business types at the Namsan Industrial Complex, and expanded use of local stone in public projects all require further review of relevant laws, administrative procedures, budgets, and project feasibility.

In particular, securing the competitiveness of the Geochang stone industry will require not only short-term financial support, but also a comprehensive understanding of every stage of the industrial structure—from raw stone production through processing, distribution, and sales channels.

The key question is how the results of the status survey being carried out by Geochang County will translate into concrete support policies in the future.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.