Daraa, Oct. 1 (SANA) A shortage of skilled workers is limiting basalt production in Syria’s Daraa province despite demand in Gulf and European markets, a local producer said, while another called for simpler licensing procedures to support the industry.
Ahmad Nasser al-Khatib, who owns a basalt-processing facility, told SANA that the sector remained below its production potential, mainly because too few specialized workers were available.
Expanding capacity and providing trained workers and equipment could help producers increase exports, he said.
Basalt, a volcanic stone found across the Hauran region, is widely used in construction and paving. Al-Khatib said good-quality deposits were available in several parts of Daraa province.
The stone is used for kitchen surfaces, stairs, flooring and interior and exterior cladding. Its ability to withstand heavy loads and vehicle traffic also makes it suitable for roads and outdoor paving, he said.
Its longstanding use in buildings and streets has made basalt part of the region’s architectural character.
Basel Nasser, who owns a quarry and processing facility, said producers faced difficulties related to operating and production costs. He called for further licensing facilities for quarry operators and stone manufacturers, while acknowledging that procedures had improved recently.
Nasser said stone was extracted from licensed quarries, transported to processing facilities and then cut and finished by machine according to its intended use.
His facility supplies basalt for sidewalks, streets, roundabouts and government buildings, as well as homes and private facilities. Products include cladding, stairs, decorative stonework and traditional lattice screens known as mashrabiyas.
Basel al-Hourani, a customer, said he chose locally produced basalt and Hauran stone for their moisture resistance and insulating properties.
He said using the stone helped reduce the effects of summer heat and winter cold inside buildings.
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