AFCM 2015 opens in Hanoi, Vietnam

The AFCM 24th Technical Symposium has officially opened at the JW Marriott Hotel, Hanoi, Vietnam, before an audience of 400 international cement delegates, including manufacturers and all major suppliers to the industry.

Dr Nguyen Quang Cung, president of the AFCM

opens the 24th Technical Symposium in Vietnam

Proceedings were launched this morning with an official opening ceremony and a welcome address by Dr Nguyen Quang Cung, president of the AFCM.  Under the theme of “Upgrading technology for sustainable development” the four-day meeting places a special  focus on technology innovations, environmental initiatives, enhancing labour productivity, lowering energy consumption and production costs, as well as enhancing competitiveness.

Nguyen Quoc Thang of VICEM discusses the 

low-carbon alternative fuels solution implemented

at the company's Binh Phuoc cement factory, Vietnam

The first session featured two highly-interesting  case studies on cement plant projects in the ASEAN region. Rune Hurttia of FLSmidth provided an overview of the successful commissioning of the FLSmidth OK Vertical Roller mill at PT Semen Gresik's Tuban plant site in Indonesia. Following on, Nguyen Quoc Thang of the Vietnam Cement Industry Corporation (Vicem) – the country's largest producer – provided an insightful presentation on burning cashew nut shells as an alternative to coal at its Binh Phuoc cement factory.

The conference continues with a host of papers focussing on technological and sustainable development. The expert speaker programme is supported by an extensive international exhibition arena featuring over 40 of the cement industry’s leading machinery suppliers and process technology experts.