Bibliographic review on sustainability and processing of ornamental rocks

The processing of ornamental rocks involves several stages, from extraction in the deposits to the final finishing of the product. These stages can consume significant amounts of energy and water and generate solid waste and liquid effluents that may contaminate soil and water. Moreover, intensive exploitation of deposits can lead to environmental degradation and have a negative impact on local biodiversity. Faced with these challenges, the ornamental rock processing sector has been striving to adopt more sustainable practices in its operations. This includes investing in more efficient and less polluting technologies, reusing and recycling waste generated during the process, and implementing measures for biodiversity conservation and the recovery of degraded areas. The methodology employed for the development of this scientific research involved a qualitative approach, with the research procedure consisting of conducting a literature review. The overall objective of this research was to elaborate a literature review on sustainability and ornamental rock processing. Ultimately, the research highlights that the existence of clear environmental regulations and companies' compliance with these regulations are crucial to prevent abuses and ensure environmental protection. It is also of utmost importance to ensure the application of appropriate penalties for those who do not comply with the established norms.