GICA subsidiary SCMI-Meftah has been carrying out co-processing trials using sludge, waste oils and sorted household waste in its Meftah works in Algeria.

"These technological test operations were a success in all respects, as they fully respected the test protocol developed by the project-SCIM team as well as the safety and process procedures," said Adel Haddoud, the company’s director general.

Further tests are planned to enable the use of these alternative fuels while maintaining cement quality and meet emissions standards.

In a second phase of the programme (2018-20), the processing of waste into a viable alternative fuel will take place. From 2021 the cement plant will start the use of such fuels and optimise its environmental performance.