AfriSam will use carbon tax to as an incentive for energy innovations

AfriSam's Cementitious Executive, Hannes Meyer, highlighted the potential of South Africa's new carbon tax to incentivise energy-saving innovation. The new carbon tax came into force on 1 June 2019 and AfriSam has been preparing for this change.

Speaking at a presentation to media at its Dudfield cement plant near Lichtenburg in the North West province, Mr Meyer said AfriSam continues to cut the carbon footprint of its cement. Efforts focus on using less energy in the production of clinker, while making more use of extenders like fly ash and slag.

"We are probably South Africa’s leading company in our understanding and application of extenders in cement," Mr Meyer said. He emphasised that this field holds great scope for creating more environmentally-friendly cements but required considerable technical expertise. With its many years of experience, AfriSam was applying that expertise in its ongoing cement innovation.

AfriSam’s commitment was clear to see, he said, being the country’s first cement manufacturer to equip all its kilns with bag filters. This brought emissions to below even the European standard of 30mg/m³.