Lafarge starts up cement plant, doubles capacity in Zambia

Lafarge starts up cement plant, doubles capacity in Zambia
02 December 2008


Lafarge SA said it is pursuing its strategy of internal growth in high-potential markets with the inauguration of a new cement plant in Chilanga, Zambia.

With a capacity of 830,000tpa, the Chilanga cement plant, which is near Lusaka, represents an investment of around EUR90m and doubles Lafarge’s total capacity in Zambia to 1.3Mt.

The new plant is one of the most competitive in the region and should rapidly create value for the group, its clients and the country, Lafarge said.

The new Chilanga plant is equipped with the latest technology and meets the group’s most stringent international standards for quality and environmental protection. It will meet strong demand for cement on the Zambian market and will also supply neighbouring countries.

Lafarge already operated a cement works in Chilanga, which will now supply specialty cements, broadening the product offering on the Zambian market.

Cement consumption in Zambia has been growing steadily for some years, driven by double-digit annual growth in the construction industry for the past five years. The Zambian cement market is expected to see 15-20% growth in 2008.
Published under Cement News