SCCC plant to resume production next week

The Department of Industrial Works said it expects the second cement plant of Siam City Cement Plc (SCCC) in Saraburi province to resume production next week after an explosion early last week.

The department’s director general Ruangsak Ngamsompak said the explosion damaged limestone conveyer belts and bunker oil simmering equipment bringing production to a halt since April 19. Some employees died, while others were wounded in the explosion, he said.

"It may take about a week to repair the damaged conveyer belts. After that, the plant is likely to resume cement production and there is no need for it to seek permission from the government," said Ruangsak.

Concerning the cause of the explosion, Ruangsak said the accident occurred due to errors committed during maintenance.  The plant shutdown has not affected cement supplies since it was producing only a small quantity, said Ruangsak.  SCCC, produces a maximum 12.5Mt of cement annually from its three plants in Saraburi, he added.