The first interest in basalt fibers arose in Italy in the 90’s, after the fall of the Berlin wall, when the technology developed at first for military purposes in USSR was looking for new applications and commercial outlets.

University of Pisa began first research works in order to characterize their mechanical properties and to find possible industrial applications. This scientific activity continued in other research centres such as CPTM (production of panels for jet-fire protection) and Tecnotessile (technical textiles for PPE production).

Gathering all the experiences gained in the previous years, CPTM attended the need to create a critical mass necessary for the new industrial material, forming a network of public and private subjects to promote the basalt. The first network core was established on 15th November 2007 as a temporary association within the homonymous project funded by Tuscany Region. The network was publicly presented during the international workshop "BASFA", held on 27th November 2007 at CPTM.

The original core of the network consisted of research centres such as CPTM, University of Pisa, Tecnotessile and SMEs interested in basalt fibers uses. CPTM was appointed coordinator of the Basaltnet but the organization of the network remains horizontal.