Alta Quartzite is a Norwegian quartzite slate formed by nature over more than 800 million years. Original sand deposits were exposed to extreme pressure and high temperature over time, which transformed the material into a very hard and durable quartzite slate with natural layering. This unique combination gives the stone high strength, low water absorption and good frost resistance – properties that make Alta Quartzite particularly well suited for demanding climates.

Slate has been extracted in the river valleys south of Alta since the 1850s. The first producers were descendants of miners from Østerdalen and Gudbrandsdalen, who brought their knowledge of slate roofing north after the start of the copper works in Kåfjord in 1826. Alta Church was given a slate roof in 1858 and is the oldest building still in use with Alta Quartzite.

The city fires in Hammerfest (1890) and Ålesund (1904) had a major impact on the development of slate mining in Alta. The rebuilding of the cities created an enormous need for roofing slate and contributed to slate becoming Alta's most important industry throughout much of the 20th century. The demand accelerated both production, sales and further development of extraction methods in the slate rock.

Alta Skiferbrudd SA was established as a cooperative with slate producers in Alta as shareholders, with a clear local roots and collaboration with public actors to further develop slate operations.

In 1958, an investment in a sawmill was made, which enabled further development of the slate operation and a broader product range. This made it possible to offer more processed products such as chips and slabs, and strengthened Altaskifer's position in the market.

In 1958, an investment in a sawmill was made, which enabled further development of the slate operation and a broader product range. This made it possible to offer more processed products such as chips and slabs, and strengthened Altaskifer's position in the market.

From the 1960s and throughout the following decades, exports of Alta Quartzite were greatly strengthened. New sales and marketing structures laid the foundation for an increased presence in Europe, and export markets quickly developed to become the most important for products from Alta.

In 2020, Alta Skiferbrudd SA exceeded turnover of over 100 million kroner for the first time, and at the same time consolidated its position as Norway's largest slate producer.

Scandinavia's first sustainability center for slate opened in 2024. With the goal of 100% utilization of the raw material, a separate sustainability series was launched at the same time, based on the circular use of slate and increased value creation from the entire resource.