Concrete

Revealing the numbers behind calcined clay

Published

4 years ago

December 21, 2021

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Clay is a naturally occurring material found almost everywhere around the world with the potential to replace 30 per cent of the energy intensive clinker. But how does the calculations look in terms of fuel- and power consumption. We did the math.

One of the great benefits of calcined clay is that it activates at a much lower temperature than that required to make clinker. With temperatures of 750 to 850˚C instead of 1,400 to 1,500˚C and much lower costs for grinding and handling, you gain significant fuel and power savings – 30 per cent and 40 per cent, respectively – when comparing the operating cost to make 1 tonne of clay versus 1 tonne of clinker. While this is obviously a great result for the environment, it also makes for much lower operating costs, enabling you to achieve a reduced cost per tonne of cement.

Table 1 shows typical values for a direct comparison between traditional OPC (95 per cent clinker and 5 per cent gypsum) and LC3, a cement made of 50 per cent clinker, 15 per cent limestone, 30 per cent activated clay and 5 per cent gypsum. The impact is clear: 40 per cent lower CO2 emissions per tonne of cement. That is without considering the further reductions you could gain if you also switched to more environmentally friendly fuels.

Table 1

You’ll note that Table 1 also references the fact that by halving clinker content, you could double cement production. This would certainly be a driver for cement manufacturers seeking to increase productivity. However, even where extra capacity is not required, the benefits are incredibly valuable. A more efficient, more environmentally friendly process – working smarter, not harder.

Managing the risks of a new investment

With any new technology, there will always be some hesitation. Being an early adopter carries risks as well as benefits. But having dedicated ourselves to MissionZero – equipping the cement industry with the means to achieve net zero emissions by 2030 – we want to give cement manufacturers the confidence that they are investing in solutions that will work for them. That’s why we set up a pilot plant in our test facility in Denmark, specifically dedicated to calcined clay.

Here, we can carry out full chemistry and mineralogical testing of your clay source, as well as a clay reactivity analysis. We can also put your clay through our pilot test system, including crushing/drying, calcining, colour control, strength testing, etc. to show that the clay will meet the strength and colour requirements of a blended cement for ultimate peace of mind before making an investment.

This facility was instrumental in the decision by French cement manufacturer Ciment Vicat to invest in a 525 tpd clay calcination plant, which will be built in France. Citing increasing demand for sustainable cements as one of their main drivers, Ciment Vicat approached us with the project knowing we had the ability to confirm the suitability of their locally available clay source. We tested 5 tonnes of clay and were able to give them the reassurance they needed to proceed with the investment.

“With the results from the pilot studies at FLSmidth’s test facilities, we are confident that this technology will provide a truly environmentally-friendly alternative, enabling us to reduce CO2 emissions by 16 per cent compared to our existing cement products as soon as the site is commissioned in 2023, and perhaps even more than that in the future,” says Renaud Claie, Project Director at Vicat Group. Leadership like this is so important to moving the industry forward. Where one global leader moves, others will follow. We congratulate Ciment Vicat on their initiative and commitment to their sustainability goals.

One decade to make a difference

Calcined clay is a stable, widely available resource that slots in easily to the existing cement manufacturing process. It requires new but familiar technologies. It produces a different but equally high-quality cement product, at a lower cost, using less energy and less fuel. It has the potential to dramatically reduce the cement industry’s environmental impact.

What are we waiting for? FLSmidth is ready to assist with your clay calcination plans and to help answer any questions or concerns you might have. This is our decade to make a difference. We can reduce the pressure on our industry and on our planet by moving the cement industry over to a more environmentally friendly cement product as standard.

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.

Published

1 day ago

January 31, 2026

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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…

To read the full article Click Here

Concrete

JK Cement Commissions 3 MTPA Buxar Plant, Crosses 31 MTPA

Company becomes India’s fifth-largest grey cement producer

Published

2 days ago

January 30, 2026

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JK Cement has commissioned its new 3 MTPA grey cement plant in Buxar, Bihar, taking the company’s total installed capacity to 31.26 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) and moving it past the 30 MTPA milestone. With this addition, JK Cement now ranks among the top five grey cement manufacturers in India, strengthening its national presence.

Commenting on the development, Dr Raghavpat Singhania, Managing Director, JK Cement, said, “Crossing 31 MTPA is a significant turning point in JK Cement’s expansion and demonstrates the scale, resilience, and aspirations of our company. In addition to making a significant contribution to Bihar’s development vision, the commissioning of our Buxar plant represents a strategic step towards expanding our national footprint. We are committed to developing top-notch manufacturing capabilities that boost India’s infrastructure development and generate long-term benefits for local communities.”

Spread across 100 acres, the Buxar plant is located on the Patna–Buxar highway, enabling efficient distribution across Bihar and neighbouring regions. While JK Cement entered the Bihar market last year through supplies from its Prayagraj plant, the new facility will allow local manufacturing and deliveries within 24 hours across the state.

Mr Madhavkrishna Singhania, Joint Managing Director & CEO, JK Cement, said, “JK Cement is now among India’s top five producers of grey cement after the Buxar plant commissioning. Our capacity to serve Bihar locally, more effectively, and on a larger scale is strengthened by this facility. Although we had already entered the Bihar market last year using Prayagraj supplies, local manufacturing now enables us to be nearer to our clients and significantly raise service standards throughout the state. Buxar places us at the center of this chance to promote sustainable growth for both the company and the region in Bihar, a high-growth market with strong infrastructure momentum.”

The project has involved an investment of Rs 5 billion. Commercial production began on 29 January 2026, following construction commencement in March 2025. The company said the plant is expected to generate significant direct and indirect employment and support ancillary industrial development in the region.

Concrete

JK Cement Crosses 31 MTPA Capacity with Commissioning of Buxar Plant in Bihar

Published

2 days ago

January 30, 2026

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JK Cement has commissioned a 3 MTPA Grey Cement plant in Buxar, Bihar, taking its total capacity to 31.26 MTPA and placing it among India’s top five grey cement producers. The ₹500 crore investment strengthens the company’s national footprint while supporting Bihar’s infrastructure growth and local economic development.

JK Cement Ltd., one of India’s leading cement manufacturers, has announced the commissioning of its new state-of-the-art Grey Cement plant in Buxar, Bihar, marking a significant milestone in the company’s growth trajectory. With the commissioning of this facility, JK Cement’s total production capacity has increased to 31.26 million tonnes per annum (MTPA), enabling the company to cross the 30 MTPA threshold.

This expansion positions JK Cement among the top five Grey Cement manufacturers in India, strengthening its national footprint and reinforcing its long-term growth strategy.

Commenting on the strategic achievement, Dr Raghavpat Singhania, Managing Director, JK Cement, said, “Crossing 31 MTPA is a significant turning point in JK Cement’s expansion and demonstrates the scale, resilience, and aspirations of our company. In addition to making a significant contribution to Bihar’s development vision, the commissioning of our Buxar plant represents a strategic step towards expanding our national footprint. We are committed to developing top-notch manufacturing capabilities that boost India’s infrastructure development and generate long-term benefits for local communities.”

The Buxar plant has a capacity of 3 MTPA and is spread across 100 acres. Strategically located on the Patna–Buxar highway, the facility enables faster and more efficient distribution across Bihar and adjoining regions. While JK Cement entered the Bihar market last year through supplies from its Prayagraj plant, the Buxar facility will now allow the company to serve the state locally, with deliveries possible within 24 hours across Bihar.

Sharing his views on the expansion, Madhavkrishna Singhania, Joint Managing Director & CEO, JK Cement, said, “JK Cement is now among India’s top five producers of grey cement after the Buxar plant commissioning. Our capacity to serve Bihar locally, more effectively, and on a larger scale is strengthened by this facility. Although we had already entered the Bihar market last year using Prayagraj supplies, local manufacturing now enables us to be nearer to our clients and significantly raise service standards throughout the state. Buxar places us at the center of this chance to promote sustainable growth for both the company and the region in Bihar, a high-growth market with strong infrastructure momentum.”

The new facility represents a strategic step in supporting Bihar’s development vision by ensuring faster access to superior quality cement for infrastructure, housing, and commercial projects. JK Cement has invested approximately ₹500 crore in the project. Construction began in March 2025, and commercial production commenced on January 29, 2026.

In addition to strengthening JK Cement’s regional presence, the Buxar plant is expected to generate significant direct and indirect employment opportunities and attract ancillary industries, thereby contributing to the local economy and the broader industrial ecosystem.