[2008-08-01]  Lafarge ignites new kiln
Lafarge Cement Zambia Plc has ignited their new Chilanga kiln plant marking the first stage in the landmark for the company’s operations. On July 29, 2008, Lafarge Cement Zambia celebrated the ignition of the new Chilanga kiln. According to a statement issued by Lafarge South East Africa, corporate affairs and communications manager, Eugene Chungu, switching on the plant marked the first stage operationalisation of the new plant. Mr. Chungu said the next stage would involve production of clinker, the raw material for cement production, which will start tomorrow, August 2, 2008. He said the kiln was ignited in the afternoon amid celebrations from Lafarge technical centre staff from Lyon and Paris, in France, local Lafarge staff and CBMI staff who are the Chinese suppliers. “The development will see the country having more supply of cement which will eventually help push down the retail prices,’’ he said. Mr. Chungu said the project recorded major safety achievement of zero fatalities and two minor lost time injuries having been recorded in the construction phase. “It is our humble prayer that we maintain this achievement. We congratulate the entire Lafarge, CBMI and other suppliers and partners that have worked tireless to see this day come to pass and wish them success for the future,’’ he said. When the new plant under construction is fully commissioned, cement production on the market was expected to double and help reduce prices, which were high due to high demand.
Source: Daily Mial