Holcim expects the NZ Environment Court to decide on its application to build a new cement plant near Oamaru sometime in August, but is warning there are still several steps to go even then.

The project will still need detailed costings, a feasibility study and business case, all of which will take some months, and are likely to be influenced by ETS policy, given cement’s carbon intensity. None of these tasks can be completed until final consent conditions are known.

The Environment Court hearing closed on May 15.