Photo of the Emsens family with a blue book
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Emsens family: 1.1 billion euros and a deep industrial heritage in sand mining

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Emsens family

SCR-Sibelcooften not recognized as a Belgian industrial giant, stands out for its activities mining and extraction of sandquartz sand used in glass production. This mining operation is well established in Europe, the United States and Mexico. The Group's assets anda Emsens familyvalued at around 1.1 billion euros, is currently in decline, placing SCR-Sibelco in the TOP 35 of Belgium's richest companies.

SIBELCO logo controlled by Stanislas Emsens

Building on its success in the mining sector, SCR-Sibelco has expanded into the Campine regions and also has significant links with Brussels. The Group has established a significant influence in the production of building materials, thanks to the diversification of the activities of the Emsens familyEtex, formerly known as Eternit.

Sonship and entrepreneurial influence :

  • SCR-Sibelco is the heritage by Stanislas Emsenswhose family is closely linked to the former Eternit and current tube producer Aliaxis.
  • The Emsens family numbers approximately 200 descendants on two brancheswith diversified interests in building materials, notably asbestos cement and its subsequent developments.
  • The family group is also connected to the Boëlsa lineage involved in holdings such as Sofina and companies like AB InBev and Solvay.
Emsens family pre-certification of designer stanislals
Stanislas Emsens

Territorial expansion and mining operations :

  • In Stevensvennen and Mol Rauw, the long-term extraction of quartz sand has created huge artificial water bodies, testifying to the impact of mining in the region.
  • The presence of white sand near Mol directly influenced the establishment of the Glaverbel glassworks.
  • Only one mining zone remains active near Dessel, where large-scale extraction of sorted minerals continues.
German company Quarzwerke has problems with the Emsens family

Diversification and challenges :

  • A dispute in 2020 revealed that minority German shareholders held 20 % of SCR-Sibelco, linked to an exchange with the German Quarzwerke group in the 1970s.
  • Financial trials and tribulations include Covia, a US subsidiary that has posted a deficit and undergone major restructuring.
  • The impact of the Covid-19 pandemic forced a reduction in dividend payments, causing concern among both German and family shareholders.
Image of the sand production of the Emsens Family

Shareholder architecture :

  • SCR-Sibelco's shares are divided among the following shareholders Emsens familiesSpeeckaert and de Saedeleer, a structure that maintains a private balance in the company's governance.

This overview reveals the complexities of a little-known industrial behemoth, illustrating the intertwining of family ties, business evolution and the challenges faced by a company rooted in resource extraction but looking to a diversified and resilient future. The Emsens family with assets of over 1 billion, is one of Belgium's richest families.

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