Heidelberg Materials has launched the largest industrial-scale flash calciner for clay worldwide in Ghana through a joint venture.
The collaboration with CBI Ghana Ltd has seen the installation of a calciner with a capacity of 400,000 tonnes annually of calcined clay. The first produced batches of calcined clay cement have been sent to clients.
“Our investment and the good collaboration with CBI are paving the way for the transition to lower-emission cement production in this growing West African market,” Heidelberg Materials managing board member Hakan Gurdal said.
“Based on calcined clay technology, we can now extend our offering of innovative, high-quality cement products, while reducing CO₂ emissions and utilising the rich local resources. The project has created over 300 local jobs.”
According to Heidelberg Materials, the calcined clay is suited to Western African countries due to the lack of large limestone deposits. This can help them reduce their reliance on importing clinker for cement production.
Heidelberg Materials is pursuing a decarbonisation strategy. Part of this strategy involves replacing traditional cement clinker with supplementary materials.
“With calcined clay, we have the potential to reduce the carbon footprint of the finished product by up to 40 per cent,” Heidelberg Materials chief sustainability and new technologies officer Katharina Beumelburg said.
“This project not only represents a highly effective, tailored, and scalable sustainable solution for the construction industry in Ghana, but also provides us with valuable learnings that we can apply to future calcined clay projects in other locations around the globe.”
According to Heidelberg Materials’ release, Ghana’s emerging economy is estimated to raise cement demand and consumption. Heidelberg Materials’ subsidiary in Ghana is Ghacem.
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