TFP Bureau, Korba; May 12, 2024: Bharat Aluminium Company Limited (BALCO), a renowned aluminium producer and a unit of Vedanta Aluminium, has recently inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Shree Cement Limited to enhance the utilization of fly ash for low-carbon cement production. This strategic partnership aims to dispatch 90,000 metric tonnes of fly ash from BALCO to Shree Cement Limited, fostering sustainable practices within the cement manufacturing sector and promoting circular economy initiatives.
Fly ash, a by-product of thermal power generation, holds immense potential for beneficial reuse across various industries. Incorporating fly ash into cement production can lead to substantial reductions in carbon emissions (approximately 500 kg per ton), energy consumption (3.2 million GJ per ton), and water usage (250 litres per ton). This collaborative effort underscores the adoption of sustainable methodologies in cement manufacturing, emphasizing responsible fly ash management across industries.
The utilization of fly ash extends beyond cement production, finding applications in brick manufacturing, road construction, infrastructure development, and agriculture. BALCO’s commitment to ‘Transform the Planet’ has driven its active role in supplying fly ash to diverse sectors, including brick and cement plants, infrastructure projects, and mines. In the fiscal year 2024 alone, BALCO has supplied over 4 million metric tonnes of fly ash, achieving an exceptional 141% ash utilization rate, reflecting its dedication to resource efficiency and environmental sustainability.
Mr. Rajesh Kumar, CEO of BALCO, emphasized the significance of the collaboration with Shree Cement Limited, stating,
“BALCO is committed to advancing circular economy initiatives by minimizing, recycling, and repurposing industrial byproducts, aligning with our ethos of ‘Transforming for Good’. Fly ash presents a sustainable raw material with significant environmental and economic benefits for various industries. Redirecting our fly ash for cement production not only fosters economic growth but also underscores our shared responsibility for sustainability.”
Mr. Sanjay Mehta, Chief Procurement Officer of Shree Cement Limited, echoed enthusiasm about the partnership, highlighting its mutual benefits.
“Partnering with BALCO aligns with our commitment to sustainable practices. Utilizing fly ash in cement production helps reduce our reliance on finite natural resources, lowers carbon emissions, and promotes circular economy principles. This collaboration reinforces our efforts to source alternative raw materials sustainably and underscores our commitment to environmental stewardship.”
