The 7th International PetroCem Conference and Exihibition was successfully held in the charming city of St Petersburg, Russia, between 22-25 April 2012. More than 520 cement specialists from 34 countries gathered to engage in three days of discussions on the latest regional developments in terms of the creation of new capacities, increasing operational efficiency and improved environmental and sustainability initiatives.
The recent resurgence of the Russian cement industry has led the country to become one of Europe’s most attractive growth markets thanks to strong and steady advances in cement demand. With various market estimates suggesting that future growth will remain brisk, the Russian market is well on its way to pre-global financial crisis levels. To coincide and support increases in demand, and with cement plant modernisation a priority, a vast amount of new dry-process capacity is being built in the country.
With a number of other countries in the region also embarking on new capacities and improving their production processes as well as sustainabilty initiatives, this year’s 7th PetroCem Conference and Exhibition, held in the elegant and historic Astoria Hotel, St Petersburg, offered an extremely timely platform for delegates to gather and discuss the commissioning of these new modern facilities. Also under discussion were the industry’s requirements for high environmental standards, fuel saving initiatives, the efficient use of power and improving operational efficiency.
