Chile: Cementos BioBio to use fly ash

Cementos BioBio’s Antofagasta works in the north of Chile and E-CL have signed a contract to use fly ash in the production of cement.

After a long development and testing process, ash from the Central Térmica Andina and Central Térmica Hornitos thermal power stations in Mejillones will replace natural pozzolans use in the cement production process.

The project will bring considerable environmental benefits as the cement works will use around 70 per cent of the ash produced by the power stations. Previously, all ash was destined for landfill.

Carlos Ferruz , manager of E-CL generation and sites, explained that:  "This initiative gives a new use for the ash, incorporating this non-hazardous waste as a raw material to a useful product such as cement. Besides loading, transport and unloading is performed without generating pollution."

He added: "Usually ash resulting from electricity generation is taken to a landfill or authorised ash pond, but today with this innovative project it acquires a new use and proves to be a real contribution to the environmental sustainability policies of both companies."