South Africa’s leading cement producer Pretoria Portland Cement has been granted environmental authorisation by the Western Cape Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning for phase 2 of its Western Cape modernisation strategy. The upgrade project encompasses the replacement of two ageing cement kilns at the Riebeeck plant with a new five stage preheater kiln. 

This marks the successful conclusion of the environmental impact assessment, however in terms of the legislative process the decision could still be appealed by the interested and affected parties. 

PPC recently completed phase 1 of the modernisation strategy; a SAR280m upgrade of a cement kiln at the De Hoek plant near Piketberg, resulting in improved environmental and thermal efficiencies. The upgraded cement kiln which was originally commissioned in 1980 will now achieve similar efficiencies as modern day kilns. 

PPC estimates that the complete modernisation strategy will be sufficient to meet Western Cape cement demand for the next decade.