China-based Beijing Uni-Construction Group Co Ltd has started preparation works for the installation of a coal-fired kiln at Tajikcement’s state-run cement plant in Dushanbe.
Tajikcement, the country's largest cement producer with four 600tpa kilns and two 300tpa lines has not been operational since the beginning of this year due to a lack of natural gas supplies. Citing sources at the Ministry of Energy and Industries, Asia Plus reports that the new coal-fired kiln is expected to be delivered in mid-June and installation is scheduled for completion in mid-September. The kiln will be able to produce 600tpd. After the installation of this kiln, work will begin on the replacement of another of the plant’s six kiln lines to coal.
The Ministry of Economic Development had earlier reported that the cost of producing cement is 49 per cent higher if cement kilns are fuelled by natural gas rather than coal. As a result, it had advised the industry to convert its gas-fired kilns to coal. Tajikcement's other kiln lines will gradually be converted when funds are available.
