Cambodia: new plant proposal

A meeting between Chinese-owned Cambodia Capital Mineral Resources Co (CCMRC) and the Ministry of Mines and Energy saw Li Xiao Ming, CCMRC president, put forward the idea of building a cement processing plant to boost supply for the country’s construction industry. The meeting between CCMRC and the Ministry intended to seek government support before any feasibility studies begin. Minister Suy Sem implied that the project will receive government approval.

Meng Saktheara, secretary of state at the ministry, said: “It is good for us because although presently we can produce cement, it cannot meet demand so we still need to import. If they can set up the factory it will not only supply the market but they can also make exports to our neighbouring countries as well.”

The ministry estimates that cement demand in Cambodia will reach 5Mta next year. Investment in new and existing plants has also increased. CITIC Heavy Industries is set to build a US$262m 5000tpd plant in Kampot province while Siam Cement group has invested US$120m in a second production line at the same location. This second line will increase capacity to 0.9Mta.