Introduction

Chapter 1

Geology / Mining / Crushing / Raw Materials

By Evgueni Porokhovoi. 2019

Global Operations & Technology 1

Introduction

• The two most important criteria when making a decision

on a cement project are the existence of raw materials
and market situation.
• Location of cement plant requires a careful analysis of:
• Market
• Sociology – neighbour relations, etc.
• Environment
• Infrastructure & Logistic
• Sufficiency of raw materials
• Quality of raw materials
• Proximity of raw materials

Global Operations & Technology 2

Introduction

• In another terms – cement industry depends on raw

materials :

• Consistent abundant resources

• Quality
• Land control (owned or leased)
• All permits (ex. Mining permit, environmental permit…)
• Mineable (ex. Waste / Ore ratio)

Global Operations & Technology 3

Introduction

• Portland cement’s clinker is formed by more than 70% of calcium silicate, and
the rest are aluminates, and calcium ferric-aluminates.
• Primary elements that form clinker: calcium, silica, aluminium, and iron
• Must be well proportioned by the raw materials used.
• Option 1 - Using a rock that contains those four materials in the correct
proportion, known as “natural cement rock”.
• Ideal case is an abundant, homogeneous and easy to exploit quarry with this type of
rock.
• Rare in nature.
• Option 2 - Mix adequate proportion of the components with the most purity
possible.
• In nature there are very few pure materials and at the high cost.
• Homogenization and burning pure components consumes too much energy.
• Option 3 - Mixing different non-pure materials containing the 4 elements.
• Most common way to produce raw meal.

Global Operations & Technology 4