New PPC plant to cost R4 billion

Pretoria Portland Cement Company (PPC) has finished its environmental impact assessment on a 1,3 million ton plant in the Western Cape region. The study contemplates upgrading an existing plant constructed in 1959 currently producing 500.000 tons per year, but which is approaching the end of its economic life. According to company officials local cement demand has grown over 60% of the last five years, part in response to major infrastructure projects. The new plan is designed to be considerable more efficient, using 30% less coal per ton of produced cement, reports Business Day.