Secondary raw materials and fuels

A sustainable cement production includes i.a. the use - especially in clinker production – of alternative raw materials as substitutes for limestone, marl and natural mineral resources and alternative fuels as an alternative to fossil fuels.

Alternative raw materials are in particular by-products and wastes arising from industrial production or, as it is the case for ashes from combustion.

CIMALUX focuses on the use of such substances, such as slag, ash and fly ash, industrial sludge, which can replace limestone and marl and can contribute to reduce CO2 emissions. But before using these substances, the environmental impact of the operation is always analyzed.

Regarding the fuels, CIMALUX seeks to increase the ratio of so-called alternative fuels. In this context greater investments are being made at the moment.

The use of tyres and waste rubber as fuel cover already for years more than one quarter of primary energy of the kiln.

Fuels with a high proportion of biogenic, which is CO2-neutral, are preferred. These include dried sludge and fluff, a waste separation originating from the mixture of plastic, wood and paper.

Organic solvents are also used as fuel in a special installation in the Rumelange plant.