The University of Sheffield, in collaboration with Sellafield power station, the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority, and the UK’s National Nuclear Laboratory, has launched a €120 million research initiative to investigate the potential of limestone calcined clay cement (LC3) for encapsulating nuclear waste. The project will examine how varying types and proportions of calcined clay can contribute to the creation of reliable cement-based materials for conditioning and safely storing nuclear waste at the Sellafield site.
Professor Brant Walkley, leading the Sheffield research team, stated that the initiative will significantly advance their work in developing innovative cement technologies for the nuclear industry and reinforce the joint team’s reputation in global cement science and engineering.

Image source:link.springer.com

The Australian government’s hesitation to implement a carbon levy on imported cement, lime, and clinker is raising concerns about job losses and stalled climate progress, according to the Financial Review. The Cement Industry Federation, representing major producers like Adbri, Boral, and Cement Australia, warns that the absence of such a levy enables carbon leakage, potentially leading to the offshoring of domestic production and jeopardising up to 1,400 jobs. Imports, primarily from Southeast Asia, currently supply over 40 per cent of Australia’s clinker demand. While an energy expert was appointed in 2023 to explore a carbon border adjustment mechanism, the final recommendations have been delayed until after the May 2025 federal election, with only an interim report released in late 2024.

The widespread adoption of MVR vertical roller mills around the world is rapidly raising awareness in the cement industry about the many benefits of this advanced grinding technology. Eastern Province Cement Company (EPCC) has now joined the list of companies opting for this cutting-edge solution. EPCC will install two MVR 5000 R-4 vertical roller mills by Gebr. Pfeiffer at its new 10,000 tonnes-per-day production line in Khursaniyah, Saudi Arabia. These mills, are known for their efficient energy usage, high power density, smooth operation and low pressure drop. These advantages lead to improved operational reliability, reduced emissions and lower specific operating costs.
These will mark the first installations of MVR vertical roller mills in Saudi Arabia. Each mill, fitted with a modern SLS 4500 VR classifier, will process 550 tonnes per hour of cement raw material to a fineness of =10 per cent residue on 90 microns.