The second phase of the repairs at Kiln 3  at Cuba's Siguaney cement plant in Sancti Spiritus is expected to be completed this month.

Currently work is being carried out on the cooler as well as improvements to the chain section, fuel system and preheater.

When the work is completed, efficiency at the plant will be increased. However, a third stage is envisaged next year due to the scale of the repairs required as well the lack of components which have to be purchased from foreign suppliers.

Previously, a fuel treatment plant had been installed to stabilise kiln temperatures which enabled the plant to make significant fuel savings. In addition, a new filter system was built in the white cement line to limit dust emissions to the atmosphere.

Meanwhile, around 3000t of cement will be produced with clinker from Cienfuegos and other plants in the country.