Economy & Market

Water conservation is vital in our mining operations

Published

2 years ago

October 17, 2024

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Pankaj Agarwal, Vice President – Mines, Shree Cement, discusses the company’s commitment to sustainable mining through innovative practices like reducing diesel consumption, integrating recycled materials and implementing advanced digital technologies, all aimed at minimising environmental impact.

Sustainable mining practices are becoming increasingly important for the cement industry. How is your company ensuring that mining operations for raw materials like limestone align with sustainable development goals?
At Shree Cement, we are deeply committed to sustainable mining practices, ensuring that our mining operations for raw materials like limestone align with global sustainable development goals. We have comprehensive mine operation and closure plans in place for all active sites. Our approach emphasises maximising efficiency through advanced structural mapping, which allows us to plan operations with minimal wastage and ensure optimal recovery of limestone. This includes reserve estimation and daily planning, which are crucial for sustainable resource management.
A key part of our sustainability efforts focuses on reducing diesel consumption in our mining equipment, with several notable initiatives already in place. For example, at our Nawalgarh mine, we strategically placed the crusher 70 meters deep within the limestone quarry, which has eliminated the need for upgradient transportation and is projected to save approximately 3.84 lakh litres of diesel annually over the mine’s lifetime. Similarly, the introduction of optimised and automated high-pressure drill machines at our Ras, Nawalgarh, and Raipur mines is helping to save an estimated 7.91 lakh litres of diesel each year. Additionally, by replacing traditional dumpers with tippers for overburden transportation at Nawalgarh, we anticipate saving around 21 million litres of diesel throughout the lifespan of the mine.
We’ve also implemented an Operator Independent Truck Dispatch System (OITDS) at our Ras and Raipur sites, which has significantly reduced idle time for trucks, resulting in an annual diesel savings of 7.27 lakh litres. These initiatives not only demonstrate our commitment to reducing our carbon footprint but also serve as a model for sustainable mining operations. Given the success of these efforts, we are actively exploring the possibility of rolling out similar initiatives at other locations wherever feasible.

What initiatives has your organisation implemented to reduce the environmental impact of quarrying activities for cement production, particularly in terms of land rehabilitation and biodiversity conservation?
We are committed to minimising the environmental impact of quarrying activities through a proactive approach centred on land rehabilitation and biodiversity conservation. Prior to the commencement or expansion of any project, we conduct thorough Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) to evaluate potential risks related to biodiversity, water resources, and other environmental factors. These assessments are tailored to each site and include adjacent areas within a 10-kilometer radius of our operations. Any identified risks are addressed by implementing location-specific conservation plans that align with our overarching goal of achieving a ‘Net Positive Impact’ on biodiversity.
To ensure we uphold the highest standards of environmental stewardship, we avoid operating in world heritage sites, ecologically sensitive zones, protected areas, or regions with high biodiversity value. Our mitigation strategy is comprehensive, following a hierarchy of avoid, minimise, restore, and offset. This approach allows us to systematically address any negative impacts on local ecosystems.
While we have not yet closed any mines, we have detailed mine closure plans in place for every active site. These plans emphasise progressive mine rehabilitation, which involves restoring mined-out areas through afforestation, re-vegetation, or converting these sites into water bodies, as appropriate. Our goal is to enhance local biodiversity by reintroducing native plant species, ultimately restoring the natural ecosystem. This long-term commitment reflects our dedication to responsible mining practices that prioritise the preservation and restoration of natural landscapes for future generations.

In terms of reducing carbon emissions, how is your company approaching the challenge of sustainable mining, and what technologies or methods are you using to minimise your carbon footprint during material extraction?
Reducing our carbon footprint is central to our sustainable mining efforts. We have implemented a range of innovative technologies and strategies to lower fuel consumption and minimise emissions during material extraction. For instance, we have optimised material transportation systems across our sites, such as strategically placing crushers within limestone quarries to minimise haulage distances. This has significantly reduced diesel consumption. Additionally, our mines are equipped with automated high-pressure drill machines, enhancing operational efficiency and lowering fuel use.
We have also replaced conventional dumpers with more fuel-efficient tippers for overburden removal, further reducing diesel reliance. Advanced systems like the Operator Independent Truck Dispatch System (OITDS) are in place to streamline logistics, curbing truck idle time and contributing to substantial fuel savings across key locations. To further reduce our reliance on fossil fuels, we have installed solar-powered lighting systems within our mine premises.
Moreover, we actively use Condition-Based Monitoring (CBM) to ensure that our equipment operates efficiently and with minimal environmental impact. This involves regular fuel consumption analysis, CO emission checks, and engine calibration to optimise fuel use and extend the life of our machinery. These practices help reduce emissions while ensuring the sustainable operation of our mining activities.
Our efforts to optimise blasting techniques also play a key role in reducing our carbon footprint. We have adopted non-electric true bottom initiation systems and incorporated polymer beads with ammonium nitrate to minimise explosive consumption. These techniques help lower the impact of blasting on the environment by reducing ground vibrations, sound, and dust, further contributing to our goal of sustainable and responsible mining. Through these initiatives, Shree Cement continues to lead by example, demonstrating how the cement industry can successfully balance operational efficiency with environmental stewardship.

Water conservation is critical in mining operations. How is your organisation managing water use in your quarries, and what steps are being taken to ensure sustainable water management in the cement production supply chain?
Water conservation is vital in our mining operations, and we take a comprehensive approach to managing water use throughout the cement production supply chain. Recognising that water is a shared and precious resource, we have developed sustainable solutions to ensure judicious consumption and minimal wastage. Our operations rely on surface water, groundwater, and third-party supplied water, and with several of our integrated and grinding units located in water-stressed areas, we have implemented prudent management plans to mitigate the impact on local water resources.
One of our key initiatives is ensuring that all our manufacturing locations operate as Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD) facilities, where 100 per cent of wastewater generated is treated, recycled, and reused. This initiative not only reduces water wastage but also supports responsible water usage across our sites. We also regularly conduct training programs for our internal stakeholders, raising awareness about the importance of water conservation and encouraging reduced water consumption across the board.
In terms of specific water usage, our freshwater consumption within cement operations stood at 65.1 litres per tonne of cement production during the current year, a slight increase from the previous year’s 64.8 litres per tonne. We are continuously exploring alternative water sources to further reduce our reliance on freshwater, particularly in our operations in water-stressed areas. One such alternative is the use of municipal sewage treatment plant (STP) treated water at our Beawar and Nawalgarh facilities, and we have established agreements with local municipalities to meet our water needs. In FY 2023-24, STP-treated water supplied 253.4 million litres for our processes, significantly reducing the demand for fresh water.
Additionally, we have undertaken several rainwater harvesting initiatives both within our premises and in nearby villages to enhance water availability. Our limestone mining operations are strategically planned to maximise the collection and storage of rainwater in mine pits. To combat evaporation losses due to rising global temperatures, we’ve introduced a biodegradable chemical called EVALOCK in our mine’s water harvesting pits, which has helped save approximately 30 per cent of water that would otherwise have been lost to evaporation.
As a result of our collective water conservation efforts, we have achieved more than seven times water positivity, harvesting a total of 16,234 million litres of rainwater compared to our freshwater consumption of 2,228 million litres. This ensures that our operations do not impact water availability for local communities, and it strengthens our commitment to sustainable water management. By optimising water usage, treating and recycling wastewater, and expanding rainwater harvesting initiatives, we have made significant progress in safeguarding this critical resource.

How is your company integrating recycled materials or industrial by-products to reduce dependence on natural resources through mining?
At Shree Cement, we recognise the critical importance of reducing our reliance on finite natural resources and have made significant strides in integrating recycled materials and industrial by-products into our cement production processes. In FY 2023-24, 24.41per cent of the total raw materials we used were sourced from alternative materials, including fly ash, granulated blast furnace slag (GBFS), and chemical gypsum, among others, amounting to 11.39 million tonnes. These materials, which are by-products of other industries, play a pivotal role in reducing the extraction pressure on natural resources such as limestone, and help us mitigate the environmental impact of waste disposal.
Our commitment to fostering a circular economy is further highlighted by our innovative use of synthetic gypsum, which we produce through a patented process involving the use of low-grade limestone and spent acid, an industrial waste product. This initiative not only decreases our consumption of natural gypsum but also addresses industrial waste management, leading to cost savings and a more sustainable production cycle.
Furthermore, this practice extends the lifespan of natural resources while promoting waste-to-wealth solutions that have tangible environmental benefits. Despite cement production relying heavily on non-renewable materials, we continuously strive to optimise the use of alternative resources to reduce environmental degradation and build a more sustainable industry. The introduction of synthetic gypsum exemplifies our forward-thinking approach, as it helps reduce our overall carbon footprint and enhances our resource efficiency in the long term.

What role does digitalisation or Industry 4.0 play in improving the efficiency and sustainability of your mining operations for cement production?
Digitalisation and Industry 4.0 technologies have revolutionised the way Shree Cement conducts its mining operations, significantly improving both operational efficiency and sustainability. Our integration of advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), data analytics, and automation enables us to optimise the extraction of raw materials, minimise waste, and enhance resource utilisation. By utilising cutting-edge mining software like ‘DATAMINE,’ we can conduct highly accurate reserve estimations and daily planning, which allows for precision in resource management, helping us recover the maximum amount of mineral resources while minimising the environmental impact of our operations.
In addition to advanced planning tools, we have implemented the Operator Independent Truck Dispatch System (OITDS), which increases operational efficiency by reducing idle times, improving fuel consumption, and maximising the utilisation of our fleet. This level of automation helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions by optimising the performance of our vehicles and machinery. Real-time monitoring of limestone quality through cross-belt analysers ensures that we are using our resources efficiently, reducing wastage, and maintaining consistent feed quality during cement production.
The use of these digital tools not only streamlines our operational processes but also enables us to make data-driven decisions that enhance our environmental stewardship. By integrating these Industry 4.0 technologies, Shree Cement ensures that its mining operations align with both efficiency and sustainability goals, contributing to a significant reduction in our overall carbon footprint. As we continue to embrace digital transformation, we are committed to leveraging these innovations to drive sustainability across the entire value chain of our cement production process.

Looking ahead, how does your organisation plan to further innovate and improve mining practices to align with the future goals of achieving net-zero emissions in cement production.
Our commitment towards national goals and SDGs drives us to continuously innovate and improve our mining practices. Our strategy involves enhancing resource management and optimising the use of alternative materials. Currently, we have successfully integrated 24.41per cent alternative raw materials into our production process, which allows us to decrease our dependence on conventional resources.
In addition to incorporating alternative materials, we are focused on implementing energy-efficient technologies across our operations. This includes ongoing initiatives to optimise diesel consumption in our mining equipment, which is crucial for reducing our overall carbon footprint. One exciting avenue we are exploring is the use of bio-diesel in our mining machinery. By adopting bio-diesel, we can minimise our reliance on fossil fuels and significantly
lower greenhouse gas emissions associated with our operations.
Moreover, we are committed to continuous improvement and innovation. We actively seek out new technologies and methodologies that can enhance the efficiency of our mining practices while reducing environmental impacts. This comprehensive approach ensures that we are not only meeting our immediate sustainability goals but also paving the way for a greener, more responsible future in the cement industry. Through these efforts, we are dedicated to leading the way toward sustainable mining practices in line with our environmental commitments.

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Concrete

Filtration Technology is Critical for Efficient Logistics

Published

4 days ago

May 15, 2026

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Niranjan Kirloskar, MD, Fleetguard Filters, makes the case that filtration technology, which has been long treated as a routine consumable, is in fact a strategic performance enabler across every stage of cement production and logistics.

India’s cement industry forms the core for infrastructure growth of the country. With an expected compound annual growth rate of six to eight per cent, India has secured its position as the second-largest cement producer globally. This growth is a result of the increasing demand across, resulting in capacity expansion. Consequently, cement manufacturers are now also focusing on running the factories as efficiently as possible to stay competitive and profitable.
While a large portion of focus still remains on production technologies and capacity utilisation, the hidden factor in profitability is the efficiency of cement logistics. The logistics alone account for nearly 30 per cent to 40 per cent of the total cost of cement, making efficiency in this segment a key lever for profitability and reliability.
In the midst of this complex and high-intensity ecosystem, filtration often remains one of the most underappreciated yet essential enablers of performance.

A demanding operational landscape
Cement production and logistics inherently operate in some of the harshest industrial environments. With processes such as quarrying, crushing, grinding, clinker production, and bulk material handling expose the machinery to constant high temperatures, heavy loads, and dust, often the silent destructive force for engines.
The ecosystem is abrasive, and often one with a high contamination index. These challenging conditions demand equipment such as the excavators, crushers, compressors, and transport vehicles to perform and perform efficiently. The continuous exposure to contamination across every aspect like air, fuel, lubrication, and even hydraulic systems causes long-term damage. Studies have also shown that 70 to 80 per cent of hydraulic system failures are directly linked to contamination, while primary cause of engine wear is inadequate air filtration.
For engines as heavy as these, even a minor contaminant has a cascading effect; reducing efficiency, performance and culminating to unplanned downtime. Particles as small as 5 to 10 microns, far smaller than a human hair (~70 microns), can cause significant damage to critical engine components. In an industry where margins are closely linked to operational efficiency, such disruptions can significantly affect both cost structures and delivery timelines.

Dust management: A persistent challenge
Dust is a natural by-product in cement operations. From drilling and blasting in the quarries to packing in plants, this fine particulate matter does occupy a large space in operations. Dust concentration levels in quarry and crushing zones often create extremely high particulate exposure for equipment. These fine particles, when enter the engines and critical systems, accelerates the wear and tear of the component, affecting directly the operational efficiency. Over time every block fall; engine performance declines, fuel consumption rises, and maintenance cycles shorten. In this case, effective air filtration is the natural first line of defence. Advanced filtration systems are designed to capture high volumes of particulate matter while maintaining consistent airflow, ensuring that engines and equipment operate under optimal conditions.
In high-dust applications, as in cement production, even the filtration systems are expected to sustain performance over extended periods without the need of frequent replacement. This becomes crucial in remote quarry locations where access to frequent maintenance may be limited.

Fluid cleanliness and system integrity
Beyond air filtration, fluid systems also play a crucial role for equipment reliability in cement operations. Fuel systems are required to remain free from contaminants for efficient working of combustion and injection protection. Additionally, lubrication systems also need to maintain the oil purity to reduce friction and prevent any premature wear of moving parts. The hydraulic systems, which are key to several heavy equipment operations, are especially sensitive to contamination.
If fine particles or water enters these systems, it can lead to reduced efficiency, erratic performance, and eventual failure of the system. Modern filtration systems are designed with high-efficiency media capable of removing extremely fine contaminants, with advanced fuel and oil filtration solutions filtering particles as small as two to five microns. Multi-stage filtration systems further ensure that fluid performance is maintained even under challenging operating conditions.
Another critical aspect of fuel systems is water separation. Removing moisture helps prevent corrosion, improves combustion efficiency and enhances overall engine reliability. Modern water separation technologies can achieve over 95 per cent efficiency in removing water from fuel systems.

Ensuring reliability across the value chain
Filtration plays a critical role across every stage of cement logistics:
• Quarry operations: Equipment operates in highly abrasive environments, requiring strong protection against dust ingress and hydraulic contamination.
• Processing units: Crushers, kilns, and grinding mills depend on clean lubrication and cooling systems to sustain continuous operations.
• Material handling systems: Pneumatic and mechanical systems rely on clean air and fluid systems for efficiency and reliability.
• Transportation networks: Bulk carriers and trucks must maintain engine health and fuel efficiency to ensure timely deliveries.
Across these operations, filtration plays a vital role; as it supports consistent equipment performance while reducing the risk of unexpected failures.
Effective filtration solutions can reduce unscheduled equipment failures by 30 to 50 per cent across heavy-duty operations.

Uptime as a strategic imperative
In cement manufacturing, uptime is currency. Downtime not only delays the production, but it also greatly impacts the supply commitments and logistics planning. With the right filtration systems, contaminants are kept at bay from entering the
critical systems, and they also significantly extend the service intervals.
Optimised filtration can extend service intervals by 20 to 40 per cent, reducing maintenance frequency while maintaining consistent performance across demanding operating conditions. Filtration systems designed for heavy-duty applications sustain efficiency throughout their lifecycle, ensuring reliable protection with minimal interruptions. This leads to improved equipment availability, lower maintenance costs, and more predictable operations, with well-maintained systems capable of achieving uptime levels of over 90 to 95 per cent in challenging cement environments.

Supporting emission and sustainability goals
With the rising environmental awareness, the cement industry too is aligning with the stricter norms and sustainability targets. In this scenario, the operational efficiency is directly linked to emission control.

Air and fuel systems that are clean enable
much more efficient combustion. They also reduce emissions from both the stationary equipment and transport fleets. Similarly, with a well-maintained fluid cleanliness, emission systems function better. Poor combustion due to contamination can increase emissions by 5 to 10 per cent, making clean systems critical for compliance.
Additionally, efficient and longer lasting filtration systems significantly reduce any waste generation and contribute to increased sustainable maintenance practices. Extended-life filtration solutions can reduce filter disposal and maintenance waste by 15 to 20 per cent. Smart and efficient filtration in this case plays an important role in meeting the both regulatory and environmental objectives within the industry.

Advancements in filtration technology
Over the years, there has been a significant evolution in the filtration technology to meet the modern industrial applications.
Key developments include:
• High-efficiency filtration media capable of capturing very fine particles without restricting flow
• Compact and integrated designs that combine multiple filtration functions
• Extended service life solutions that reduce replacement frequency and maintenance downtime
• Application-specific engineering tailored to different stages of cement operations
Modern multi-layer filtration media can improve dust-holding capacity by up to two to three times compared to conventional systems, while maintaining consistent performance. These advancements have transformed filtration from a basic maintenance component into a critical performance system.

Adapting to diverse operating conditions
The cement industry of India operates across diverse geographies. Spanning across regions with arid regions with higher dust levels, to the coastal areas with higher humidity, challenges of each region pose different threats to the engines. Modern filtration systems are thus tailored to address these unique challenges of each region.
Indian operating environments often range from 0°C to over 50°C, with some of the highest dust loads globally in mining zones.
Additionally, filtration technology can also be customised to variations which then align the system design with factors like dust load, temperature, and equipment usage patterns. Equipment utilisation levels in India are typically higher than global averages, making robust filtration even more critical. This approach ensures optimal performance and durability across different operational contexts.

Impact on total cost of ownership
Filtration has a direct and measurable impact on the total cost of ownership of equipment.
Effective filtration leads to:
• Lower wear and tear on critical components
• Reduced maintenance and repair costs
• Improved fuel efficiency
• Extended equipment life
• Higher operational uptime
Effective filtration can extend engine life by 20 to 30 per cent and reduce overall maintenance costs by 15 to 25 per cent over the equipment lifecycle. These benefits collectively enhance productivity and reduce lifecycle costs. Conversely, inadequate filtration can result in frequent breakdowns, increased maintenance expenditure, and reduced asset utilisation.

Building a more efficient cement ecosystem
With the rising demand across various sectors, the cement industry is expected to expand at an unprecedented rate. This growth is forcing the production to move towards a more efficient and resilient system of operations. This requires attention not only to production technologies but also to the supporting systems that enable consistent performance. Filtration must be viewed as a strategic investment rather than a routine consumable. By ensuring the cleanliness of air and fluids across systems, it supports reliability, efficiency, and sustainability.

The road ahead
The future of cement logistics will be shaped by increasing mechanisation, digital monitoring, and stricter environmental standards. The industry is also witnessing a shift towards predictive maintenance and condition monitoring, where filtration performance is increasingly integrated with real-time equipment diagnostics.
In this evolving landscape, the role of filtration will become even more critical. As equipment becomes more advanced and operating conditions more demanding, the need for precise contamination control will continue to grow. From quarry to construction site, filtration technology underpins the performance of every critical system. It enables equipment to operate efficiently, reduces operational risks, and supports the industry’s broader goals of growth and sustainability. In many ways, it is the unseen force that keeps the cement ecosystem moving, quietly ensuring that every link in the value chain performs as expected.

About the author
Niranjan Kirloskar, Managing Director, Fleetguard Filters, is focused on driving innovation, operational excellence, and long-term business growth through strategic and people-centric leadership. With a strong foundation in ethics and forward-thinking decision-making, he champions a culture of collaboration, accountability, and technological advancement.

Concrete

Cement’s Next Fuel Shift

Published

4 days ago

May 15, 2026

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Jignesh Kindaria highlights how Thermal Substitution Rate (TSR) is emerging as a critical lever for cost savings, decarbonisation and competitive advantage in the cement industry.

India is simultaneously grappling with two crises: a mounting waste emergency and an urgent need to decarbonise its most carbon-intensive industries. The cement sector, the second-largest in the world and the backbone of the nation’s infrastructure ambitions, sits at the centre of both. It consumes enormous quantities of fossil fuel, and it has the technical capacity to consume something else entirely: the waste our cities cannot get rid of.
According to CPCB and NITI Aayog projections, India generates approximately 62.4 million tonnes of municipal solid waste annually, with that figure expected to reach 165 million tonnes by 2030. Much of this waste is energy-rich and non-recyclable. At the same time, cement kilns operate at material temperatures of approximately 1,450 degrees Celsius, with gas temperatures reaching 2,000 degrees. This high-temperature environment is ideal for co-processing, ensuring the complete thermal destruction of organic compounds without generating toxic residues. The physics are in our favour. The infrastructure is not.
Pre-processing is not the support act for co-processing. It is the main event. Get the particle size wrong, get the moisture wrong, get the calorific value wrong and your kiln thermal stability will suffer the consequences.

The regulatory push is real
The Solid Waste Management (SWM) Rules 2026 mandate that cement plants progressively replace solid fossil fuels with Refuse-Derived Fuel (RDF), starting at a 5 per cent baseline and scaling to 15 per cent within six years. NITI Aayog’s 2026 Roadmap for Cement Sector Decarbonisation targets 20 to 25 per cent Thermal Substitution Rate (TSR) by 2030. Beyond compliance, every tonne of coal replaced by RDF generates measurable carbon reductions which is monetisable under India’s emerging Carbon Credit Trading Scheme (CCTS). TSR is no longer a sustainability metric. It is a financial lever.
Yet our own field assessments across multiple Indian cement plants reveal a sobering reality: the primary barrier to scaling AFR adoption is not waste availability. It is the fragmented and under-engineered pre-processing ecosystem that sits between the waste and the kiln.

Why Indian waste is a different engineering problem
Indian municipal solid waste is not the material that imported shredding equipment was designed for. Our waste streams frequently exceed 40 per cent to 50 per cent moisture content, particularly during monsoon cycles, saturated with abrasive inerts including sand, glass, and stone. Plants relying on imported OEM equipment face months of downtime awaiting proprietary spare parts. Machines built for segregated, low-moisture waste fail quickly and disrupt the entire pre-processing operation in Indian conditions.
The two most common failures we observe are what I call the biting teeth problem and the chewing teeth problem. Plants relying solely on a primary shredder reduce bulk waste to large fractions, but the output remains too coarse for stable kiln combustion. Others attempt to use a secondary shredder as a standalone unit without a primary stage to pre-size the feed, leading to catastrophic mechanical failure. When both stages are present but mismatched in throughput capacity, the system becomes a bottleneck. Achieving the 40 to 70 tonnes per hour required for meaningful coal displacement demands a precisely coordinated two-stage process.

Engineering a made-in-India answer
At Fornnax, our response to these challenges is grounded in one principle: Indian waste demands Indian engineering. Our systems are built around feedstock homogeneity, the holy grail of kiln stability. Consistent particle size and predictable calorific value are the foundation of stable kiln combustion. Without them, no TSR target is achievable at scale.
Our SR-MAX2500 Dual Shaft Primary Shredder (Hydraulic Drive) processes raw, baled, or loosely mixed MSW, C&I waste, bulky waste, and plastics, reducing them to approximately 150 mm fractions at throughputs of up to 40 tonnes per hour. The R-MAX 3300 Single Shaft Secondary Shredder (Hydraulic Drive), introduced in 2025, takes that primary output and produces RDF fractions in the 30 to 80 mm range at up to 30 tonnes per hour, specifically optimised for consistent kiln feeding. We have also introduced electric drive configurations under the SR-100 HD series, with capacities between 5 and 40 tonnes per hour, already operational at a leading Indian waste-processing facility.
Looking ahead, Fornnax is expanding its portfolio with the upcoming SR-MAX3600 Hydraulic Drive primary shredder at up to 70 tonnes per hour and the R-MAX2100 Hydraulic drive secondary shredder at up to 20 tonnes per hour, designed specifically for the large-scale throughput that higher TSR ambitions require.

The investment case is now
The 2070 Net-Zero target is not a distant goal for India’s cement sector. It starts today, with decisions being made on the plant floor.
The SWM Rules 2026 are already in effect, requiring cement plants to replace coal with RDF. Carbon credit markets are opening up, and coal prices are not going to get cheaper. Every tonne of coal a cement plant replaces with waste-derived fuel saves money on one side and generates carbon credit revenue on the other. Pre-processing infrastructure is no longer just a compliance requirement. It is a business investment with a measurable return.
The good news is that nothing is missing. The technology works. The waste is available in every Indian city. The government has provided the policy direction. The only thing standing between where the industry is today and where it needs to be is the commitment to build the right infrastructure.
The cement companies that move now will not just meet the regulations. They will be ahead of every competitor that waits.

About the author
Jignesh Kundaria is the Director and CEO of Fornnax Technology. Over an experience spanning more than two decades in the recycling industry, he has established himself as one of India’s foremost voices on waste-to-fuel technology and alternative fuel infrastructure.

Concrete

Dalmia Bharat Cement launches water repellent cement brand Weather 365 in Eastern India

Published

4 days ago

May 15, 2026

admin

The company has introduced water repellent cement to target rising consumer demand for weather-resilient housing solutions.

New Delhi, May 15, 2026

Dalmia Bharat Cement, one of India’s leading cement manufacturing companies, has launched Weather 365, a new super-premium water repellent cement brand aimed at addressing growing consumer demand for durable, weather-resistant construction materials in Eastern India. The product is positioned as a high-performance offering for consumers seeking long-term protection against seepage, dampness and moisture damage. The launch marks a strategic push by Dalmia Bharat Cement into the fast-growing premium cement segment, where consumer preference is increasingly shifting from price-led purchases to specialised, performance-oriented building materials.

Reinforcing its super-premium positioning, the product will be available in premium-quality water-resistant and tamper-proof BOPP packaging. ‘Weather 365’ will be introduced across its retail markets in West Bengal and Bihar.

In addition to the product rollout, the company will provide on-site technical support through its engineering and technical services teams to guide customers on best construction practices and improve long-term building performance.

Speaking on the launch, company spokesperson from Dalmia Bharat Cement said: “Weather 365 is a testament to Dalmia Bharat Cement’s relentless pursuit of innovation. Eastern India experiences prolonged monsoons, high humidity and challenging weather conditions that significantly impact the life of buildings and homes. Consumers today are actively looking for solutions that offer long-term protection and lower maintenance costs. Weather 365 is our answer to that need – a differentiated premium product that combines structural strength with advanced moisture protection that safeguards homes at every level, every season. We believe this category will see strong growth in the coming years.”

Weather 365 is a specialised cement product developed to meet the rigorous demands of modern construction in regions exposed to high humidity, heavy rainfall and extreme weather cycles. Designed for roofs, columns and foundations, it delivers end-to-end moisture protection across the entire home from the structure’s core to its visible surfaces. Its proprietary uniform water repellent technology helps reduce water penetration, minimize steel corrosion in RCC structures while preventing efflorescence and damp patches, thereby ensuring stronger concrete, improved paint life and long-lasting structural health. Positioned as a super-premium product in Dalmia Bharat Cement’s portfolio, Weather 365 targets discerning homeowners, contractors and builders who seek the best-in-class protection for their construction investments.

With a strong manufacturing and market presence across Eastern India, Dalmia Bharat Cement continues to strengthen its footprint in one of its key strategic markets. As the company advances towards its vision of becoming a pan-India cement leader, it remains focused on delivering innovative, premium construction solutions tailored to evolving consumer needs.

Dalmia Bharat Cement, a subsidiary of Dalmia Bharat Limited, is a leading player in the cement manufacturing segment and has been in existence since 1939. It is the first cement company to commit to RE100, EP100 & EV100 (first triple joiner) – showing real business leadership in the clean energy transition by taking a joined-up approach. With a growing capacity, currently pegged at 49.5 million tonne, Dalmia Bharat Cement is the fourth-largest cement manufacturing group in India by installed capacity. Spread across ten states and fifteen manufacturing units, the company is a category leader in super-specialist cement used for oil well, railway sleepers and airstrips and is the country’s largest producer of Portland Slag Cement (PSC).