It was the intersection of heritage and innovation in the natural stone industry that inspired Rene Camart, Founder & CEO of MINERAL EXPERTISE, to launch the company.
As the main shareholder and CEO in the stone industry for both quarries and factories for years and, most recently with the 2023 opening of the new 4.0 Guinet-Derriaz 1912 factory in France, an understanding of their cultural and economic importance gave him a strong sense of purpose. Since then, MINERAL EXPERTISE’s vision has evolved toward embedding sustainability and transparency, and making sure that each project contributes not only to architectural beauty but also to environmental responsibility.
Pioneering Innovation in Stone and Design
Based in France, Italy and Portugal MINERAL EXPERTISE specializes in marble and minerals for high-end architectural, interior design, and furniture projects. The company has become a leader in its sector and a trusted partner for managing both architectural and interior design projects through a vertically integrated strategy that covers every stage, from quarry to completed project, supported by a unique wealth of experience.
MINERAL EXPERTISE oversees every step of the process, from sourcing stones in quarries to manufacturing in its own factories and installing on site with dedicated teams. Its extensive experience extends to complex structural projects.
With innovation at the core of its philosophy, MINERAL EXPERTISE develops advanced processes and techniques that allow architects to overcome the traditional limitations of mineral products.
Driven by significant investments in research and development, MINERAL EXPERTISE continually introduces new designs and manufacturing ideas to the market. Its in-house research laboratory, focuses on pioneering technologies, including Eco-Mineral-Glass® European patent co-owned by Mineral Expertise and AGC Europe – World Glass leader – and Eco-Mineral-Process®, European patent 100% owned by Mineral Expertise.
With offices in Paris, Dubai, USA & Canada, Monaco, Switzerland, MINERAL EXPERTISE operates internationally, managing projects of varying scale and type. Its portfolio spans private residences, hotels, restaurants, boutiques, yachts, and spas, while its work encompasses cladding, interior design, and furniture. The company serves a wide range of clients, including architects, general contractors, interior designers, designers, and artists.
Balancing Progress With Preservation
Rene emphasizes the personal values that have guided his decision-making as a founder and CEO – integrity, resilience, and responsibility. “Integrity ensures we stay transparent with our partners and clients. Resilience allows us to navigate the cyclical and unpredictable nature of the global construction and quarries industry. Responsibility keeps us accountable not only to the shareholders of the company but also to the environment and future generations,” he elaborates.
In an industry that’s deeply tied to global sustainability and resource management, Rene defines leadership as balancing progress with preservation. “It’s about having the courage to make decisions that prioritize long-term sustainability over short-term profit, while ensuring the company remains competitive globally. For me, leadership is also about education, helping clients, partners see that ethical resource management is not a constraint but an opportunity,” he shares.
Innovation Driving Ethical Sourcing
Rene notes that technology is redefining the mineral exploration industry – from AI-driven geological mapping to blockchain for supply chain transparency. MINERAL EXPERTISE is investing in digital tools to monitor extraction impact, trace materials from quarry to construction site, and optimize logistics, to not only enhance efficiency, but also build trust with clients who demand ethical sourcing.
Rene approaches innovation as a tool for compliance and sustainability rather than as an opposing force. By staying ahead of regulatory frameworks, he ensures that innovation supports, rather than threatens, their environmental commitments. For example, adopting digital mapping technologies and AI-driven exploration methods helps minimize waste and maximize resource efficiency, while their recent patent for Eco-Mineral-Process allows for the substitution of heavy metal structures by a combined vacuum process with basalt fiber and stone.
From Global Milestones To Sustainable Legacy
Of all the achievements that Rene is most proud of in his journey with MINERAL EXPERTISE, securing their first major international project was a defining moment. The reason it stood out was that it wasn’t just about revenue; it was proof that their philosophy – combining heritage stone expertise with modern sustainability practices – could resonate globally. “It validated the hard work, risk-taking, and values that shaped the company,” Rene reflects.
Of all the challenges he faced while building Mineral Expertise, one of the most significant was to deliver the highest-demanding stone project ever – “Mareterra” in Monaco. This project, spanning hectares on the Mediterranean sea, is covered with over 100,000 m2 of marble, both in infrastructure and superstructure, under the guidance of worldwide architects such as Renzo Piano, Valode & Pistre, Fosters+ Partners, Tadao ANDO Architect, Peter Marino, Winch Design.
Envisioning how his work impacts future generations, especially in terms of sustainability and resource ethics, Rene sees Mineral Expertise as part of a broader movement toward redefining humanity’s interaction with natural resources. “By proving that stone and mineral extraction can be both profitable and sustainable, we hope to inspire a new standard – one where future generations inherit resources, landscapes, and cultural legacies that have been responsibly managed,” he affirms.
Linking Daily Work To Long-Term Mission
Rene’s day often starts early, reviewing international operations across time zones. He dedicates the first part of his day to strategic decisions – expansion opportunities, partnerships. The latter part is for execution: working closely with teams, resolving challenges, and ensuring projects move forward smoothly. “I stay focused by always linking operational tasks back to our long-term mission,” he explains.
For Rene, work-life integration is more valuable than separation. His passion for sustainability, architecture, and innovation overlaps with his personal life and values, so the boundaries blur naturally. “I prioritize time outdoors – whether through travel, sports, or simply walking in nature – which keeps me grounded and reminds me of why sustainable resource management matters,” he observes.
Resilience And Responsibility In Leadership
In terms of building a team culture that supports both technical excellence and ethical leadership, Rene focuses on three pillars: knowledge, accountability, and empowerment. “We train our team on technical standards, but also on the ethical and environmental impact of their work. We encourage accountability at all levels and empower our people to propose solutions that are both technically sound and ethically aligned,” he says.
Rene offers these words of wisdom to aspiring entrepreneurs looking to enter the mining or natural resources industry: Be patient, be curious, and above all, be resilient. This is an industry where reputation takes years to build and seconds to lose. Understand the technical side deeply, but also commit yourself to the ethical and environmental dimensions. Clients, regulators, and society are increasingly demanding leaders who take a holistic view.
Conclusion
As a leader in the stone industry, focused on balancing progress with preservation, Rene Camart hopes to transform the perception that mining and mineral extraction are inherently destructive. He hopes to demonstrate that profitability and sustainability can coexist, and that, when managed responsibly – with the right technologies, regulations, and values – it can provide essential materials for infrastructure, renewable energy, and sustainable architecture. “Most of the material in the world of construction needs energy to be built. Stone doesn’t. It’s already there. We just have to dimension it! The stone industry must be part of the solution rather than part of the problem,” Rene concludes.
