South Korean producers to reduce coal ash imports

South Korean cement producers are expected to reduce the usage of imported coal ashes, on the back of concerns about contamination and the ongoing trade dispute with Japan. As a result, the Korean Cement Association has stated that the use of materials from domestic thermal power plants and secure alternative raw materials from clay mines will increase despite an unstable supply.

"The cement industry will actively cooperate with the Environment Ministry's plan to strengthen the environmental safety management of imported coal ashes," the association said in a statement.

Out of 3.15Mt of coal ashes used to manufacture cement in South Korea last year, 40.6 per cent (1.28Mt) were imported from Japan, according to the association. The Environment Ministry has also announced steps to strengthen the customs clearance for Japanese coal waste, citing fears of radioactive and heavy metal contamination, reports AJU News.