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We are geared up for adoption of carbon reducing technologies

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Manish Toshniwal, Vice President and Mines Head, JK Cement, talks about the various aspects of sustainable mining.

Tell us about the volume of mined raw materials and fuels consumed by your organisation annually.
Limestone is a major raw material for cement manufacturing mined from our captive limestone mine, with consumption of over 10.0 million tonnes per annum, and the fuel (high speed diesel) being consumed at the rate of 0.42 litres per tonne of limestone.

What are the conveyor channels used to carry the mined materials to the plants?
Limestone is majorly conveyed through OverLand Belt Conveyor (OLBC) from the mine crusher to the plant. OLBC stretched up to a distance of 7.5 km crossing highway and railway tracks, and covered completely with rain hood along with acoustic hood provided near habitant areas to minimise dust and noise pollution, and reducing carbon footprints.

Mining leads to depletion of natural resources. Is there any action taken to combat the same?
The availability of natural resources is limited and mining leads to depletion of natural resources. It is quite important that on the one hand we meet the needs of the present, and on the other, we conserve natural resources to meet future needs. We have taken various actions for mineral conservation as below:

  • Detailed exploration was carried out in G1 Category under UNFC Classification for reassessment of the deposit. It is well supported in optimum utilisation and blending of different grades of minerals from depth. It resulted in enhancement of proven reserves and in turn the mine life.
  • The data obtained from exploration was converted into a geological database in SURPAC software to determine the extent of the ore deposit and its geo-statistical characteristics.
  • The total volume of reserves is estimated by developing a solid block model comprising all bore hole data. Mine planning is carried out by dividing the ore body into suitable blocks and sub blocks. Suitable ultimate pit depth selected from which mine pit is designed. With this, the different grades of mineral blended effectively for optimum utilisation and consumption of low-grade minerals. The sub grade minerals, which are lower than cutoff grade minerals, are consumed by adding high-grade limestone (sweetener) procured from nearby areas for their effective utilisation, leading to increase in mine life.
  • In a few block areas, clay was found interbedded with limestone, which needed to be separated to improve the quality of limestone. A screen reject separator installed with a crusher, which separates out the clay through a reject belt conveying system, and only the clean limestone is transported to the plant. It results in more quantity of low-grade utilisation and consumption from mine.
  • Real time production data is monitored continuously including quality, quantity and productivity. Cross-belt analyser installed at conveying belt, which is linked with Automated XRF analyser.

How does your organisation address the issue of dust pollution and noise pollution while mining and grinding limestone?
The key effective measures taken for combating the dust and noise pollution while mining and crushing of limestone are as below:

A high-pressure jet is installed in water tankers to wet the blasted muck before loading of limestone, to minimise the fugitive emissions during loading.

Automated stationary water sprinklers installed along haul roads and cold dry fogging in crushing units were installed, which proved to be effective in fugitive dust control. Moreover, it resulted in reduction of water consumption to half per square metre of haul road as compared to mobile water sprinkling.

The limestone from the crusher is transported to the plant by closed conveyor belts to control dust generation. The conveyor system stretched from the crusher to the plant covering a distance of 7.5 km crossing highway and railway lines.

The drill machines are automated and equipped with wet drilling systems. The green belt developed all along the periphery of the lease boundary or ultimate pit limit boundary and on both sides of the roads.

There are continuous on-line ambient air quality monitoring stations (CAAQMS) installed at various locations. All the on-line monitoring stations are connected with SPCB site for capturing real time data. The drone survey of mining lease is carried out as per provisions of MCDR.

What is the technology behind mining of limestone for the cement process?
What is its impact on the productivity of the organisation?

Mine planning and scheduling carried out using SURPAC block modelling for developing scientific and systematic formation of benches in the ore body.
To enhance equipment and workforce productivity, higher capacity equipment deployed in mine. Fleet Management System (FMS) implemented in mine. Fleet management system upgraded subsequently to maintain real time health monitoring system to attain high reliability, real time quality monitoring system, real time productivity monitoring systems to capture, monitor and analyse various KPI’s.
Controlled blasting techniques are in practice at the mine. Nonel initiation system is used to limit the fly rocks and ground Vibrations. The haul roads and ramps are designed to always maintain the shortest lead. The haul roads were maintained with road graders and compactors for attaining shorter cycle time of equipment used for transportation of limestone from mine to crusher.

Tell us about the efforts taken by your organisation to make limestone mining a sustainable process?
Mining can become more sustainable by developing and integrating practices that ensure cost effective mining, reduce the environmental impacts of mining operations, improve socio economic development of people, and comply with statutory obligations. The various measures adopted by us to make limestone mining a sustainable process are:

  • Higher capacity equipment is deployed in the mines that are highly productive and cost effective. A highly skilled workforce is deployed to attain higher output per man shift. It has resulted in reduction of mining costs.
  • Conveying of limestone through OLBC from the mine crusher to the plant, stretching up to 7.5 km crossing highway and railway lines, has resulted in improved productivity, cost effective mining while mitigating environmental hazards like carbon emissions and dust generation associated with road transportation.
  • Massive plantations have been taken up for conservation of flora and fauna in the mines.
  • So far, the plantation drive in mines involves planting 4,07,294 saplings covering an area of 158.07 hectares.
  • The development of bio diversity park, to create safe and secure habitat for local flora and fauna to improve the ecological footprint of the mine, spreads over an area of 50.0 hectares. The park will be developed in three phases with a total of 50,000 saplings and is targeted to be complete by FY 2024-25. In the first phase, planting of saplings of a variety of species in consultation with DFO to the tune of 25,000 is under process.
  • The mining equipment is loaded with safety features as required by DGMS. A Safety Management plan is prepared and implemented in the mine through which the workers’ participation in safety management is promoted. Both internal and third-party authorities conduct safety audits.
  • By installing solar panels and fulfilling power consumption of the mines through solar energy, the mine is able to reduce its carbon footprint to a considerable extent.
  • Vocational training is imparted on various H&S aspects. The mine has a well equipped Group VTC with internal and external trainers. On the job training is imparted through OEM trainers for skill upgradation and capacity building.
  • Water harvesting measures are implemented such as construction of storm water drains and ponds within the mine area for storage of rainwater, artificial ground water aquifer recharge structures to improve the groundwater level and collection of rainwater in mine-pits. Our rainwater harvesting activities are beneficial to the mine as well as to the community surrounding mines. Water ponds constructed in the surrounding villages and water infrastructures have been created to supply water from the mine to these ponds for agriculture, livestock etc.
  • The mine has also undertaken well appreciated CSR activities, which are aligned with the pressing needs of the nation – public health and sanitation, education, water infrastructure to provide water for irrigation and drinking, infrastructure development etc. We have built schools, colleges, training institutes, hospitals, temples and other social infrastructure as a part of our community intervention.

Tell us about the government compliances that your organisation strictly adheres to.
The mining activities are carried out as per the Mining Plan approved by Indian Bureau of Mines under the Mineral Conservation and Development Rules (MCDR) amended as on date, and all the provisions of MCDR are complied with. The technical aspects are complied as per provisions of the Metalliferous Mining Regulations (MMR), to ensure safe operations in the mine. The welfare of mine employees as per provisions of Mines Rules and Mines Act amended as on date under DGMS directives and guidelines are complied with. The records, registers and returns are regularly submitted to concerned authorities as prescribed within the timelines. The conditions of Environment Clearances, CTE and CTO are complied with, as per provisions of the Air and Water Act amended as on date and as per MOEF/SPCB directives and guidelines.

What are your plans to make mining a sustainable process for the cement business?
To achieve climate change targets, we are geared up for adoption of carbon reducing technologies like use of alternative fuels such as LNG, hydrogen powered base mining equipment, integrating electrification with automation and digital systems as well as the use of renewable energy, recycling and reuse for minimising the amount of waste produced.

Kanika Mathur

Concrete

FORNNAX Appoints Dieter Jerschl as Sales Partner for Central Europe

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FORNNAX TECHNOLOGY has appointed industry veteran Dieter Jerschl as its new sales partner in Germany to strengthen its presence across Central Europe. The partnership aims to accelerate the adoption of FORNNAX’s high-capacity, sustainable recycling solutions while building long-term regional capabilities.

FORNNAX TECHNOLOGY, one of the leading advanced recycling equipment manufacturers, has announced the appointment of a new sales partner in Germany as part of its strategic expansion into Central Europe. The company has entered into a collaborative agreement with Mr. Dieter Jerschl, a seasoned industry professional with over 20 years of experience in the shredding and recycling sector, to represent and promote FORNNAX’s solutions across key European markets.

Mr. Jerschl brings extensive expertise from his work with renowned companies such as BHS, Eldan, Vecoplan, and others. Over the course of his career, he has successfully led the deployment of both single machines and complete turnkey installations for a wide range of applications, including tyre recycling, cable recycling, municipal solid waste, e-waste, and industrial waste processing.

Speaking about the partnership, Mr. Jerschl said,
“I’ve known FORNNAX for over a decade and have followed their growth closely. What attracted me to this collaboration is their state-of-the-art & high-capacity technology, it is powerful, sustainable, and economically viable. There is great potential to introduce FORNNAX’s innovative systems to more markets across Europe, and I am excited to be part of that journey.”

The partnership will primarily focus on Central Europe, including Germany, Austria, and neighbouring countries, with the flexibility to extend the geographical scope based on project requirements and mutual agreement. The collaboration is structured to evolve over time, with performance-driven expansion and ongoing strategic discussions with FORNNAX’s management. The immediate priority is to build a strong project pipeline and enhance FORNNAX’s brand presence across the region.

FORNNAX’s portfolio of high-performance shredding and pre-processing solutions is well aligned with Europe’s growing demand for sustainable and efficient waste treatment technologies. By partnering with Mr. Jerschl—who brings deep market insight and established industry relationships—FORNNAX aims to accelerate adoption of its solutions and participate in upcoming recycling projects across the region.

As part of the partnership, Mr. Jerschl will also deliver value-added services, including equipment installation, maintenance, and spare parts support through a dedicated technical team. This local service capability is expected to ensure faster project execution, minimise downtime, and enhance overall customer experience.

Commenting on the long-term vision, Mr. Jerschl added,
“We are committed to increasing market awareness and establishing new reference projects across the region. My goal is not only to generate business but to lay the foundation for long-term growth. Ideally, we aim to establish a dedicated FORNNAX legal entity or operational site in Germany over the next five to ten years.”

For FORNNAX, this partnership aligns closely with its global strategy of expanding into key markets through strong regional representation. The company believes that local partnerships are critical for navigating complex market dynamics and delivering solutions tailored to region-specific waste management challenges.

“We see tremendous potential in the Central European market,” said Mr. Jignesh Kundaria, Director and CEO of FORNNAX.
“Partnering with someone as experienced and well-established as Mr. Jerschl gives us a strong foothold and allows us to better serve our customers. This marks a major milestone in our efforts to promote reliable, efficient and future-ready recycling solutions globally,” he added.

This collaboration further strengthens FORNNAX’s commitment to environmental stewardship, innovation, and sustainable waste management, supporting the transition toward a greener and more circular future.

 

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Concrete

Budget 2026–27 infra thrust and CCUS outlay to lift cement sector outlook

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Higher capex, city-led growth and CCUS funding improve demand visibility and decarbonisation prospects for cement

Mumbai

Cement manufacturers have welcomed the Union Budget 2026–27’s strong infrastructure thrust, with public capital expenditure increased to Rs 12.2 trillion, saying it reinforces infrastructure as the central engine of economic growth and strengthens medium-term prospects for the cement sector. In a statement, the Cement Manufacturers’ Association (CMA) has welcomed the Union budget 2026-27 for reinforcing the ambitions for the nation’s growth balancing the aspirations of the people through inclusivity inspired by the vision of Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of India, for a Viksit Bharat by 2047 and Atmanirbharta.

The budget underscores India’s steady economic trajectory over the past 12 years, marked by fiscal discipline, sustained growth and moderate inflation, and offers strong demand visibility for infrastructure linked sectors such as cement.

The Budget’s strong infrastructure push, with public capital expenditure rising from Rs 11.2 trillion in fiscal year 2025–26 to Rs 12.2 trillion in fiscal year 2026–27, recognises infrastructure as the primary anchor for economic growth creating positive prospects for the Indian cement industry and improving long term visibility for the cement sector. The emphasis on Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities with populations above 5 lakh and the creation of City Economic Regions (CERs) with an allocation of Rs 50 billion per CER over five years, should accelerate construction activity across housing, transport and urban services, supporting broad based cement consumption.

Logistics and connectivity measures announced in the budget are particularly significant for the cement industry. The announcement of new dedicated freight corridors, the operationalisation of 20 additional National Waterways over the next five years, the launch of the Coastal Cargo Promotion Scheme to raise the modal share of waterways and coastal shipping from 6 per cent to 12 per cent by 2047, and the development of ship repair ecosystems should enhance multimodal freight efficiency, reduce logistics costs and improve the sector’s carbon footprint. The announcement of seven high speed rail corridors as growth corridors can be expected to further stimulate regional development and construction demand.

Commenting on the budget, Parth Jindal, President, Cement Manufacturers’ Association (CMA), said, “As India advances towards a Viksit Bharat, the three kartavya articulated in the Union Budget provide a clear context for the Nation’s growth and aspirations, combining economic momentum with capacity building and inclusive progress. The Cement Manufacturers’ Association (CMA) appreciates the Union Budget 2026-27 for the continued emphasis on manufacturing competitiveness, urban development and infrastructure modernisation, supported by over 350 reforms spanning GST simplification, labour codes, quality control rationalisation and coordinated deregulation with States. These reforms, alongside the Budget’s focus on Youth Power and domestic manufacturing capacity under Atmanirbharta, stand to strengthen the investment environment for capital intensive sectors such as Cement. The Union Budget 2026-27 reflects the Government’s focus on infrastructure led development emerging as a structural pillar of India’s growth strategy.”

He added, “The Rs 200 billion CCUS outlay for various sectors, including Cement, fundamentally alters the decarbonisation landscape for India’s emissions intensive industries. CCUS is a significant enabler for large scale decarbonisation of industries such as Cement and this intervention directly addresses the technology and cost requirements of the Cement sector in context. The Cement Industry, fully aligned with the Government of India’s Net Zero commitment by 2070, views this support as critical to enabling the adoption and scale up of CCUS technologies while continuing to meet the Country’s long term infrastructure needs.”

Dr Raghavpat Singhania, Vice President, CMA, said, “The government’s sustained infrastructure push supports employment, regional development and stronger local supply chains. Cement manufacturing clusters act as economic anchors across regions, generating livelihoods in construction, logistics and allied sectors. The budget’s focus on inclusive growth, execution and system level enablers creates a supportive environment for responsible and efficient expansion offering opportunities for economic growth and lending momentum to the cement sector. The increase in public capex to Rs 12.2 trillion, the focus on Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, and the creation of City Economic Regions stand to strengthen the growth of the cement sector. We welcome the budget’s emphasis on tourism, cultural and social infrastructure, which should broaden construction activity across regions. Investments in tourism facilities, heritage and Buddhist circuits, regional connectivity in Purvodaya and North Eastern States, and the strengthening of emergency and trauma care infrastructure in district hospitals reinforce the cement sector’s role in enabling inclusive growth.”

CMA also noted the Government’s continued commitment to fiscal discipline, with the fiscal deficit estimated at 4.3 per cent of GDP in FY27, reinforcing macroeconomic stability and investor confidence.

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Concrete

Steel: Shielded or Strengthened?

CW explores the impact of pro-steel policies on construction and infrastructure and identifies gaps that need to be addressed.

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Going forward, domestic steel mills are targeting capacity expansion
of nearly 40 per cent through till FY31, adding 80-85 mt, translating
into an investment pipeline of $ 45-50 billion. So, Jhunjhunwala points
out that continuing the safeguard duty will be vital to prevent a surge
in imports and protect domestic prices from external shocks. While in
FY26, the industry operating profit per tonne is expected to hold at
around $ 108, similar to last year, the industry’s earnings must
meaningfully improve from hereon to sustain large-scale investments.
Else, domestic mills could experience a significant spike in industry
leverage levels over the medium term, increasing their vulnerability to
external macroeconomic shocks.(~$ 60/tonne) over the past one month,
compressing the import parity discount to ~$ 23-25/tonne from previous
highs of ~$ 70-90/tonne, adds Jhunjhunwala. With this, he says, “the
industry can expect high resistance to further steel price increases.”

Domestic HRC prices have increased by ~Rs 5,000/tonne
“Aggressive
capacity additions (~15 mt commissioned in FY25, with 5 mt more by
FY26) have created a supply overhang, temporarily outpacing demand
growth of ~11-12 mt,” he says…

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