Bolivia: Itacamba starts Yacuses construction in May

Itacamba will start building its new cement plant in Yacuses, Bolivia, on 13 May when civil works on the project commence. In April, heavy equipment will roll onto the terrain to prepare the 7ha site for construction.

The Yacuses works reflects an investment of US$200m. With a production capacity of 0.85Mta will cover the current 0.5Mta supply deficit in the Santa Cruz market.

The project represents the realisation of a shelved 40-year old plan. However, two years ago, the project was revived when Itacamba and Soboce presented a similar project. In addition, Minera Comunitaria Kaa Iya SA announced it would invest US$160m in a cement works. Nevertheless, Soboce and Kaa Iya were unable to obtain the required gas supply. Itacamba said it is awaiting confirmation of a 250,000m3/d gas supply from YPFB. To transport the gas to the new facility, the cement producer will build a 2km gas pipeline.

Yacuses is expected to come online in 18 months’ time. It will offer direct employment to 500 people.