Raju Jain, General Manager, Wonder Cement discusses how they optimise material handling by integrating advanced technologies, automation, and sustainable practices to enhance efficiency, reduce operational costs, and minimise environmental impact.
Material handling plays a crucial role in cement production. How is your company optimising material handling systems to ensure efficiency and reduce operational costs?
At Wonder Cement, optimising material handling is key to improving overall plant efficiency and reducing operational costs. We focus on integrating advanced technologies and adopting a systematic approach to streamline our material handling processes. To minimise waste and energy consumption, we deploy automated conveyor systems that transport raw materials like limestone and gypsum with precision and reliability. These systems help in reducing the need for manual labour, which not only lowers labor costs but also minimises the potential for
human error.
Our optimisation strategies include real-time monitoring systems to track material flow and storage levels, ensuring that materials are used efficiently and without delay. We also employ energy-efficient motors and equipment that cut down on energy consumption, further driving operational savings. By utilising advanced data analytics, we can predict material needs and adjust our handling systems accordingly, leading to better resource management. In addition, our material handling systems are designed for minimal downtime, allowing us to maintain continuous operations and avoid costly interruptions. Regular maintenance protocols and use of high-quality equipment ensure long-term durability and performance, contributing to the overall cost-efficiency of our cement production processes.
What technologies or innovations has your organisation adopted to improve the safe and efficient transport of raw materials like limestone, gypsum, and clinker within the cement plant?
At Wonder Cement, scientific mining methods are utilised during limestone excavation. Our team of experts and experienced technical professionals oversee mining operations. To control dust generation, we employ wet drilling system that eliminates dust at its source. We adopt controlled blasting techniques to minimise noise, vibrations, and NOx emissions during blasting operations. Well-maintained mining equipment is used to reduce dust during loading and transportation. Additionally, water sprays are deployed on haul roads for effective dust control. We have embraced a variety of cutting-edge technologies to enhance the safe and efficient transport of raw materials within our plant. One of the primary innovations is the implementation of automated conveyor systems with high-efficiency motors and smart controls, which ensure smooth and consistent transportation of materials such as limestone, gypsum, and clinker. These conveyors are equipped with sensors that detect material flow rates and prevent overloading or spillage, which not only enhances safety but also minimises material waste.
We have also integrated dust suppression systems that mitigate dust generation during material transport. These systems help us maintain a cleaner and safer work environment while reducing the environmental impact of our operations. Additionally, the use of enclosed conveyors and fully automated bulk material handling systems prevents material exposure to the environment, reducing the risks associated with air contamination. Another key innovation is the incorporation of real-time monitoring and data analytics. Through the use of IoT (Internet of Things) sensors and AI-driven data platforms, we can monitor the health of our equipment and anticipate potential failures, enabling proactive maintenance. This reduces the risk of accidents, ensures continuous operation, and enhances overall efficiency in transporting raw materials throughout our cement plant.
How are you addressing the challenges of dust control and material spillage in your material handling processes, especially in bulk transport and storage?
At Wonder Cement , to reduce dust, spillage, and carbon emissions during heavy-duty vehicle transportation, we implemented a wagon and truck tippler system equipped with stackers and reclaimers, exceeding EPA standards and reducing carbon emissions. This setup facilitates efficient material transfer through enclosed conveyor systems. Controlling dust and preventing material spillage are critical priorities in our material handling processes, particularly during bulk transport and storage. To address dust control, we have deployed several advanced dust suppression technologies. Our primary approach involves using enclosed conveyor systems, which significantly reduce the amount of dust generated during the transport of raw materials like limestone, gypsum, and clinker. Additionally, we have installed misting and fogging systems that trap dust particles before they can become airborne, ensuring a cleaner and safer environment within the plant.
We have also incorporated dust collection systems, such as bag filters and electrostatic precipitators, at key material transfer points. These systems capture dust at the source, preventing it from escaping into the atmosphere. Regular monitoring and maintenance of these systems ensure their optimal performance, helping us meet stringent environmental regulations. Material spillage is minimised through the use of spill-resistant conveyor belts and properly designed transfer chutes. We ensure that our handling equipment is properly aligned and calibrated to avoid any unnecessary material loss. Furthermore, our real-time monitoring systems allow us to detect and address any material handling inefficiencies promptly, ensuring that spillage is kept to a minimum. By combining these efforts, we maintain a high level of operational efficiency while adhering to safety and environmental standards.
With sustainability becoming a key focus in the cement industry, what steps is your organisation taking to reduce the environmental impact of material handling, such as energy consumption and emissions?
Wonder Cement is deeply committed to reducing the environmental impact of its material handling operations. One of the primary steps we’ve taken is the integration of energy-efficient technologies across our material handling systems. We utilise high-efficiency motors, variable frequency drives (VFDs), and energy-optimised conveyor systems, which help us reduce energy consumption while maintaining operational efficiency. In terms of emissions, our focus is on minimising dust emissions through advanced dust suppression systems and using enclosed conveyors. We have also implemented real-time emissions monitoring systems to track and control particulate matter generated during material handling, ensuring compliance with environmental regulations. The installation of dust collectors, such as bag filters and electrostatic precipitators, helps capture and recycle dust back into the production process, reducing waste and emissions.
Furthermore, we are actively exploring alternative raw materials and fuels that have a lower carbon footprint. By integrating materials like fly ash and slag into our cement production process, we reduce the need for virgin raw materials, which in turn lowers the environmental impact of their extraction and transport. Our commitment to sustainability also includes efforts to optimise logistics and transportation. By streamlining material transport within the plant, we reduce fuel consumption and associated greenhouse gas emissions. These initiatives align with our broader sustainability goals, contributing to a greener, more responsible cement production process.
Automation and digitalisation are transforming material handling systems. How has your company integrated Industry 4.0 technologies like IoT, AI, and robotics to enhance material handling efficiency?
Wonder Cement has embraced Industry 4.0 technologies to significantly enhance the efficiency of our material handling systems. The integration of IoT (Internet of Things) devices throughout our plant allows us to gather real-time data on material flow, equipment performance, and operational conditions. This data is crucial for optimising our processes, as it enables us to monitor and adjust material handling systems dynamically based on demand and production needs. AI (Artificial Intelligence) plays a vital role in predictive maintenance and process optimisation. By analysing data from IoT sensors, AI algorithms can predict potential equipment failures and recommend preventive actions. This reduces unplanned downtime and prolongs the life of our machinery, ensuring smooth and continuous material transport. Additionally, robotics has been implemented in certain areas of our material handling processes, particularly in packaging and palletising operations. Robots handle these tasks with precision and speed, reducing the need for manual labor and minimising the risk of human error.
We also leverage digital twins—virtual models of our material handling systems—to simulate different scenarios and optimise performance. This helps us identify bottlenecks and inefficiencies before they impact production. The adoption of these Industry 4.0 technologies not only improves operational efficiency but also enhances safety, reduces costs, and contributes to the overall sustainability of our cement manufacturing process.
What are the primary challenges you face in handling alternative raw materials or fuels (such as waste, biomass, or fly ash), and how have you adapted your material handling infrastructure to manage these new inputs?
Handling alternative raw materials and fuels, such as waste, biomass, and fly ash, presents unique challenges due to their varying properties compared to traditional inputs. At Wonder Cement, we have adapted our material handling infrastructure to manage these challenges effectively. One of the main issues is the irregular particle size and moisture content of alternative materials, which can affect the flow and handling efficiency. To address this, we have implemented specialised conveyors and storage systems designed to accommodate the diverse characteristics of these materials. For example, we have modified our storage silos and hoppers to ensure smoother material flow and prevent blockages or clumping. In addition, we utilise advanced weighing and dosing systems to ensure precise control over the input of alternative materials, maintaining the consistency and quality of our cement.
Another challenge is the higher tendency of alternative fuels, such as biomass, to produce dust and emissions. To counter this, we have upgraded our dust suppression systems and installed filters at key transfer points. This ensures that the environmental impact of using alternative materials is minimised. Furthermore, we continuously monitor and fine-tune our material handling processes through data analytics and IoT-based systems, enabling us to adapt to the specific requirements of alternative materials. By investing in this infrastructure, we are able to incorporate sustainable materials into our production processes without compromising efficiency or
product quality.
What role do preventive maintenance and condition monitoring play in your material handling operations, and how does this contribute to minimising downtime and enhancing equipment lifespan?
Preventive maintenance and condition monitoring are integral to Wonder Cement’s approach to material handling operations. We employ a proactive maintenance strategy that focuses on regular inspections, timely servicing, and the early detection of potential issues to ensure the longevity and efficiency of our equipment. Condition monitoring systems, such as vibration analysis, temperature sensors, and oil analysis, are used to track the health of our material handling equipment in real time. By continuously monitoring the performance of critical components like conveyor belts, motors, and bearings, we can identify early signs of wear or malfunction. This allows us to schedule maintenance before a failure occurs, significantly reducing unplanned downtime and preventing costly breakdowns.
In addition, predictive maintenance tools, powered by AI and data analytics, enable us to predict when specific equipment will require servicing based on historical performance data. This not only enhances the lifespan of our machinery but also optimises maintenance schedules, ensuring that equipment is serviced only when necessary, thus avoiding unnecessary downtime. Preventive maintenance also improves safety, as it reduces the likelihood of accidents caused by equipment failure. Ultimately, by adopting these strategies, we can maintain a high level of operational efficiency, minimise production interruptions, and extend the service life of our material handling systems.
Looking forward, what future trends do you foresee in material handling for the cement industry, and how is your company preparing to adopt these advancements to stay competitive?
As the cement industry continues to evolve, several key trends in material handling are likely to shape the future. One of the most significant trends is the increased adoption of digitalisation and automation, driven by Industry 4.0 technologies. At Wonder Cement, we are preparing for this shift by investing in IoT, AI, and robotics to enhance the efficiency, safety, and sustainability of our material handling processes. Another emerging trend is the use of alternative raw materials and fuels, as the industry moves towards more sustainable production practices. We are adapting our material handling infrastructure to accommodate these new inputs, such as waste-derived fuels and biomass, which require specialised equipment and handling techniques.
Energy efficiency and emissions reduction will also be key focuses in the coming years. We foresee a greater emphasis on energy-efficient motors, renewable energy sources, and advanced dust suppression technologies to minimise the environmental impact of material handling. Our commitment to sustainability is evident in our continuous efforts to reduce energy consumption and implement cleaner technologies across our operations. Additionally, predictive maintenance and advanced analytics will play an increasingly important role in optimising equipment performance and minimising downtime. By staying at the forefront of these trends and integrating them into our operations, Wonder Cement is well-positioned to remain competitive in an evolving industry while maintaining our commitment to innovation and sustainability.
Two cement concrete pavement roads covering a total stretch of 2.2 km in Akhoya village were inaugurated on 27th June 2026 by MLA Nuklutoshi Longkumer, who attended as the special guest. The project comprises the one km L Pangersowa Road and the one point two km Longchara Junction to RC Chiten Jamir Memorial Government High School road. A formal programme followed the inauguration at the school auditorium.
A technical report was presented by Er Waloniba of the Urban Engineering Wing-III, Kohima, which stated the project was sanctioned in March 2026 under the Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment scheme for 2025-26 at a sanctioned cost of Rs 29.1 million (mn). The work order was issued to M/s Ensign Construction on thirtieth April 2026 with a stipulated completion period of 12 months. Work commenced on fourth May 2026 and was completed on sixth June 2026, with the contractor and team finishing the tasks in around two months. The project included a single-lane cement concrete pavement with side drains, two slab culverts and breast walls at required locations.
Longkumer acknowledged the Chief Minister, the advisor for urban development, contractors and other stakeholders for the allocation and support, and he commended the contractor for early completion. He noted that cooperation from landowners and the community had been important in resolving land related issues that can otherwise delay developmental works. He emphasised that planned developmental activities carried out with collective effort would enable more projects to be implemented successfully.
The headmaster of RC Chiten Jamir Memorial Government High School, I Chubasenba Longkumer, outlined the school background, noting it was established in 1962, was earlier known as Government High School Changtongya and was renamed in 2014. Local representatives said the improved approach roads would ease access for students, staff, patients and the general public and fulfil a long standing aspiration of residents. A dedicatory prayer was offered by the pastor and the programme concluded with a ribbon cutting attended by village council and town council representatives.
Indian Cement Review (ICR) and Fuller Technologies brought industry, policy and technology leaders together to discuss how cement innovation can drive green construction at scale, writes Rakesh Rao.
India is building at a pace few countries can match. Highways, airports, housing, logistics parks, industrial corridors and urban infrastructure are reshaping the country’s economic geography. But beneath this growth story lies a difficult question: can India continue to build at scale without locking itself into a high-carbon future?
That question formed the core of an online panel discussion titled “Driving Green Construction Through Cement Innovation”, organised by Indian Cement Review (ICR) in association with Fuller Technologies as the Presenting Partner on June 25, 2026. The webinar brought together experts from cement technology, R&D, global industry platforms, building performance policy and international development cooperation to examine how low-carbon cement and material innovation can accelerate India’s green construction transition.
The discussion came at a crucial time. India has committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2070 and reducing the carbon intensity of its economy by 45 per cent by 2030. At the same time, the country’s construction sector is expanding rapidly, driven by urbanisation, infrastructure development, housing demand and industrial growth. Cement, as one of the most widely used construction materials, sits at the heart of this transition. It is indispensable to development, but also central to the challenge of reducing embodied carbon in buildings and infrastructure.
Moderated by Nitika Krishan, Senior Urban Infrastructure and Sustainable Policy Consultant, the panel featured:
Dr Hemantkumar Aiyer, VP and Head R&D, Nuvoco Vistas Corp Ltd;
Devika Wattal, Innovation Lead, Global Cement and Concrete Association (GCCA);
Dr Sunita Purushottam, MD, GBPN India (Global Buildings Performance Network); and
Vaibhav Rathi, Senior Technical Advisor, GIZ (the German Agency for International Cooperation)
Setting the tone for the discussion, Nitika Krishan underlined the scale of the challenge before the sector. “The question before us is no longer whether we build, but how we build sustainably,” she said. She pointed out that construction accounts for nearly 40 per cent of global energy-related carbon emissions when both operational and embodied carbon are considered. Cement production, she added, remains one of the hardest industrial processes to decarbonise.
For India, this is not merely an environmental issue. It is a development issue, a competitiveness issue and increasingly, a market issue. As one of the world’s largest cement producers and among the fastest-growing construction markets, India’s material choices will influence the carbon trajectory of its built environment for decades. As Krishan observed, sustainability solutions in economies such as India must not remain limited to laboratory success. They must be scalable, commercially viable and practical at national level.
The innovation gap: From technology to market
Experts believe that there is a need to bridge the innovation gaps for making decarbonisation in cement and concrete scalable. Devika Wattal of GCCA, explained, “The starting point must be the core cement manufacturing process itself. The first and foremost is the heart of our process, the heart of cement manufacturing. How do we reduce clinker? That is always a topic where industry is working very intrinsically.”
Clinker reduction remains one of the most important pathways for lowering emissions in cement. Since clinker production is energy-intensive and chemically emits carbon dioxide, reducing the clinker factor through supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs), blended cements and new chemistries can have a significant impact. Wattal also noted that carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS) will have a role, though it may not be the first lever for all markets.
However, she stressed that innovation cannot stop at technology development. A solution that works in the lab must also be adaptable to industry, scalable in production and acceptable in construction practice. “It is important for that innovation to be adaptable, to be scalable, and so that it can be executed in real time,” she said.
Wattal also called for stronger enabling systems around innovation. These include performance-based standards, product-level embodied carbon databases and clearer frameworks for evaluating green materials. Without these, low-carbon cement products may struggle to compete with conventional materials in procurement and design.
R&D must balance carbon, cost and performance
Bringing in the R&D perspective into the discussion, Dr Hemantkumar Aiyer of Nuvoco Vistas emphasised that low-carbon cement development cannot be treated as a single-variable exercise. Cement must perform in real construction conditions. It must deliver strength, durability, consistency and cost competitiveness, while also reducing carbon.
“The root of understanding and balancing all these aspects lies in materials, and knowing the materials,” he said.
According to Dr Aiyer, R&D teams must understand the variability of raw materials such as fly ash, slag and clinker. Different sources produce different material behaviours. This makes mix optimisation, material characterisation and processing-property relationships critical. When performance is affected, cement manufacturers must understand how strength enhancers, admixtures and other performance chemicals interact with the material system.
He also linked material science with process efficiency. Clinkerisation takes place at extremely high temperatures, around 1,400 to 1,450 degrees Celsius. Any improvement in raw mix design, process control or energy optimisation can, therefore, help reduce emissions and cost. Dr Aiyer pointed to artificial intelligence-based optimisation, Cement 4.0 tools and advanced software as important enablers for real-time process and material control.
“The more you understand the materials, the more you can control it,” he said.
LC3: The promise is proven, the sequencing is not
Limestone calcined clay cement, commonly referred to as LC3, has attracted global attention because it can reduce clinker content significantly by using calcined clay and limestone while maintaining performance in many applications. Kiranmai Sanagavarapu of Fuller Technologies said the technology itself has already moved beyond proof of concept. Fuller Technologies has worked with calcined clay technology for nearly two decades and has seen plants running in France and Ghana. These plants, she said, are meeting local and national specifications, while the economics are beginning to make sense.
“The calciner is performing, the economics is stacking up, it is making business sense to produce,” she said.
But if the technology is viable, why has adoption not scaled faster? For Sanagavarapu, the answer lies in project sequencing. Too often, clay characterisation happens after equipment is specified. This, she warned, is a backward approach because calciner design depends on clay mineralogy, kaolinite content, iron levels, reactivity, moisture and other variables.
“If you don’t know what your deposit looks like before you commit for the equipment, you are, in a way, going blind into designing,” she said.
She also identified permitting and plant integration as major bottlenecks. Environmental clearances, mining permissions and local regulatory approvals must begin early. Similarly, calcined clay must be integrated into existing grinding, blending and logistics systems from the design stage, not treated as an afterthought during commissioning.
India already has IS 18189:2023 standard for LC3, but Sanagavarapu pointed out that the standard is not yet visible enough in procurement documents. “The gap between what is technically being permitted and what the procurement is asking is the single biggest bottleneck,” she said.
In her view, successful scale-up depends on getting the sequence right: clay characterisation first, permitting in parallel, standards aligned with construction, and integration built into plant design.
India’s LC3 journey: Progress, but demand remains thin
Providing details of India’s LC3 commercialisation experience, Vaibhav Rathi of GIZ noted that JK Cement carried out the first commercial production of LC3 at its Rajasthan plant, followed by JK Lakshmi Cement three months later. These initiatives were supported by the International Climate Initiative of the Government of Germany, with IIT Delhi contributing deep institutional knowledge on LC3 research and BIS certification.
Rathi said India’s early experience has produced clear lessons. One of the biggest was the need to build capacity among regulators. While BIS certification existed, State Pollution Control Boards were unfamiliar with the technology and unsure about the approval pathway.
“The capacity building is not just needed amongst the producer and the users of the cement, but also the regulators who are working with this technology for the first time,” he said.
He also highlighted the need for better information on China clay deposits. Since China clay is currently classified as a minor mineral, centralised data on availability, quality and location is limited. If cement manufacturers are to adopt LC3 at scale, stronger mineral intelligence will be important.
The third issue is demand. LC3 has already been used in projects such as Palava City in Mumbai and Noida International Airport, but these remain limited examples. “It is in a chicken and egg situation,” Rathi said. “Cement companies are saying we need more demand, and users are saying there is not enough cement available.”
Public procurement, he suggested, could help break this cycle. If agencies such as CPWD and other public bodies begin testing, accepting and specifying LC3, it could create the market confidence needed for cement companies to invest in production and storage.
Building codes must catch up with innovation
Dr Sunita Purushottam of GBPN India argued that material choices will determine built environment emissions over the long term, but India’s current policy signals remain fragmented. Although LC3 has received BIS recognition, she pointed out that building codes, municipal bylaws, schedules of rates and sustainability codes do not yet provide uniform guidance on low-carbon cement.
“The current cement regulations are largely prescriptive and favouring traditional materials,” she said. This limits the ability of alternative materials to compete on performance, durability and emissions.
Dr Purushottam also raised the issue of taxation. Cement, including LC3, currently falls under the same GST bracket as conventional cement. A differentiated tax structure, she argued, could help accelerate market adoption. “In order for the market to demand LC3, that differentiation in the GST could go a long way,” she said.
She noted that green building certifications such as IGBC and GRIHA are already creating demand for low-carbon materials by assigning points for embodied carbon and sustainable material use. However, she said large-scale adoption will require regulatory mandates, particularly through building codes and state-level notifications.
She also cautioned that low-carbon cement alone does not solve the entire building performance problem. A material may reduce embodied carbon, but the operational carbon of a building depends on thermal performance, design, insulation and energy use. “The energy part has two elements,” she said. “One is the embodied carbon of the material itself, and the other is the operational carbon.”
Collaboration is the bridge between invention and impact
Wattal said GCCA sees innovation as a strategic priority and works through platforms that connect industry with academia and start-ups. “There is no way we will decarbonise our sector without innovation,” she said.
However, she stressed that research must be connected to actual industry challenges. Innovations developed in isolation may fail when they encounter real-world barriers such as raw material variability, plant integration, cost, standards and finance. Start-ups, too, need industry mentorship and scale-up pathways.
Wattal also flagged the importance of finance. Even strong technologies may struggle to attract investment if there is no common understanding of bankability. “We have always put projects into, is this a bankable project? But the definition of a bankable project has never been defined,” she said.
For India, she saw strong potential in its academic and start-up ecosystem, but said the challenge lies in alignment and prioritisation. The country has the research base, industrial capacity and market size. What it now needs is a coordinated route from innovation to deployment.
There is a practical concern for cement manufacturers: how can existing plants be adapted for lower emissions without compromising reliability or commercial viability?
Kiranmai Sanagavarapu addressed, “The reliability risk in calcined clay retrofit is definitely real, but it is almost always self-inflicted. The risk arises when a new process is added to an existing circuit without properly redesigning grinding and blending configurations.”
Existing cement plants, she explained, can take two broad routes. The first is external sourcing of calcined clay combined with mill optimisation. This requires lower capital investment and can potentially move in 12 to 18 months if other conditions are in place. It may reduce emissions by around 20 to 30 per cent. The second route is integrated calcination on site, which requires higher capital expenditure and longer lead times, but provides greater control over quality, supply and emissions reduction potential.
For Sanagavarapu, the principle is simple: low-carbon retrofits must be designed with intent. “Design it with an intent properly from the start. Start in the market conditions where the economics are already working,” she said.
Circularity: The overlooked advantage
According to Vaibhav Rathi, fly ash and slag are already well established in cement and construction (C&D), but construction and demolition waste remains underutilised. “C&D waste is a growing business opportunity which not many have taken up,” he said. India’s continuous construction and demolition activity creates huge volumes of waste, much of which contributes to air pollution, land degradation and material inefficiency. With the right processing and standards, this waste can be converted into useful construction products.
Rathi also pointed out that LC3 has a circular economy dimension that is often overlooked. It can use low-grade kaolin-rich clay left behind after high-grade clay is extracted for other applications. “LC3 is not only a low-carbon solution, but also a circular economy solution,” he said.
At the same time, he cautioned that LC3 in India is not yet cheap because it has not reached scale. Site-specific techno-commercial feasibility studies, supported jointly by development agencies and industry, could help companies assess whether LC3 production makes technical and financial sense at a given location.
Dr Purushottam added that India must address both low-carbon cement and construction waste together. “Both low-carbon cement and C&D waste go hand in hand. India does not have an option but to work on both,” she said.
Dr Aiyer called for policy shifts from both government and industry, including preferential purchasing of sustainable materials, minimum supplementary cementitious material requirements in public and public-private projects, and faster regulatory implementation. “If we can fast-track the regulatory standards and their implementation on the ground, that is the way to go,” he said.
From green ambition to green construction
Cement innovation is no longer only about chemistry. It is about systems. Low-carbon cement will scale only when technology, standards, procurement, finance, regulation, education and construction practice move together.
LC3 and other low-carbon technologies have shown promise. India has early commercial examples, strong research capability and growing market interest. But mainstream adoption will depend on whether demand can be created, regulators can be capacitated, standards can be embedded in procurement, and manufacturers can see a clear business case.
For a country building at India’s scale, the opportunity is enormous. Cement will continue to be central to infrastructure and urban development. The challenge now is to ensure that the cement used in India’s growth story carries a lower carbon burden.
Rakesh Rao
Participate in Cement Expo 2026 and discover how next-gen infrastructure can be built with innovations in cement.
JK Cement gained after being declared preferred bidder for the Gilund Limestone Block in Chittorgarh, Rajasthan, a lease area of 370.96 hectares. The firm saw its shares trade at Rs. 5550.05, up by 28.45 points or 0.52 per cent from the previous close of Rs. 5521.60 on the BSE. The scrip opened at Rs. 5569.15 and touched a high of Rs. 5625.00 and a low of Rs. 5531.00.
The stock recorded turnover of 1742 shares on the counter and the BSE group A stock with face value Rs. 10 has a 52 week high of Rs. 7565.00 on 20-Aug-2025 and a 52 week low of Rs. 4670.05 on 12-Jun-2026. Last one week high and low stood at Rs. 5625.00 and Rs. 5329.00 respectively. The promoters holding in the company stood at 45.66 per cent, while institutions and non-institutions held 40.61 per cent and 13.73 per cent respectively.
The e-auction conducted by the Government of Rajasthan resulted in the company being declared preferred bidder for the mining lease, and the allocation will enable the company to plan phased development of the deposit, subject to regulatory approvals. The Gilund block spans 370.96 hectares and its allocation is intended to support raw material security for the company’s cement operations in the region. The designation follows the government auction process and will allow the company to plan development and integration of the deposit into its supply chain.
The current market capitalisation stands at Rs. 430.38 billion (bn), reflecting market response to the mining news and prevailing valuation levels for the sector. Investors and analysts will watch for formal allotment and related disclosures that can clarify timelines, capital expenditure and expected production profiles. The report is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute investment advice, and market participants are advised to consult advisers before making decisions.
