Norway exports huge quantities of rock to Europe from several towns along the Norwegian coast. Stone exports are worth at least NOK 2 billion a year. But now the Netherlands will set such strict requirements that Norwegian stone will in practice be banned on the railway network. But the Norwegian Mining Industry thinks the Dutch will struggle to get enough stone without quartz. There are few quarries in Europe that can deliver. – It is of course important for Norway with exports, but we can turn it around: Europe is completely dependent on Norwegian stone, says Hall. Disclosure had consequences Last year, a Dutch documentary revealed that railway workers had become ill after working with Norwegian stone. It was also revealed that they worked without protective equipment. Subsequently, the Dutch Labor Inspectorate has seen a requirement that from 1 September this year, quartz-free stone will be used on Dutch railways. Something that in practice excludes all major Norwegian quarries from the market. Work with railway tracks in the Netherlands. Photo: Jos van Zetten / Bnnvara Now the mineral industry in Norway is following developments closely. – In isolation, it is serious that a market such as the Netherlands is in danger of disappearing, but it is too early to conclude, says Norwegian Mining Industry’s Secretary General Anita Helene Hall. Almost unable to deliver enough stone to the continent Norwegian stone is known to be very hard and durable. The industry is currently experiencing enormous demand from the continent. Now there is a shortage of cargo ships that have seen restrictions on exports. Large wind farms, new airports and roads have created the growth. A cargo ship on its way from Bremanger to the Netherlands with Norwegian stone. Photo: Asgeir Heimdal Reksnes / news Therefore, she doubts that the ban in the Netherlands will have major consequences for the industry. She thinks the Dutch labor inspectorate should do as in Norway. – It is surprising that the workers in the Netherlands have not used protective equipment. Arbeidstilsynet there should adhere to the regulations when it comes to such hazardous substances. and do inspections. The Norwegian Labor Inspection Authority will not comment on the case to news. Anita Helene Hall is Secretary General of the Norwegian Mining Industry. The industry association for the Norwegian mineral industry. Photo: Norwegian Mining Industry The Netherlands is struggling to find an alternative The Dutch railway company, Prorail, tells news that they have tightened their HSE routines after the revelations. They have been looking for quartz-free stone, but have not found enough. Therefore, they want to keep up with the Norwegian stone. The claim from the Norwegian Labor Inspection Authority in the Netherlands may therefore end up in the legal system there. – We have recently introduced quartz-free stone from Germany at railway stations and in tunnels, but there is limited access, the company writes to news. But the labor inspectorate in the Netherlands is uncooperative in this. They believe that there is probably quartz-free stone from Germany. Hi! Do you have tips and suggestions for this or similar issues, or have you worked in the construction industry and have problems with stone dust? Then I would like to hear from you. Send me an email!
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