Brazilian integrated steelmaker CSN is planning to build a cement plant in southeastern Rio de Janeiro state, local news agency Agência Estado reported.

The initial investments would be US$30mn, but might reach USUS$100m as CSN plans further expansions. The official announcement will be made within the next two weeks, Agência Estado cited state secretary Anthony Garotinho as saying.

The plant will be constructed in the hinterland city of Volta Redonda, next to the company’s steel production works. It will use waste products from the steelmaking process for cement production.

São Paulo state-based CSN manufactures, sells and exports steel and steel products. The company has a crude steelmaking capacity of 6Mta but has plans to up capacity to 8Mta by 2006.