19 August 2016
Tanzanian cement producers asked to complain to government 19 August 2016
Tanzania: Charles Mwijage, the Minister for Industry, Trade and Investment, has advised local cement producers to complain to the government regarding imports of cement and a ban on imported coal. Mwijage made the comments at the inauguration of Tanga Cement’s second clinker production line, according to the Tanzania Daily News newspaper.
"We ask the government to either stop the imports or at least impose higher tariffs on imported clinkers. We are also pleading with the government to ensure clinkers on transit reach their destinations. This will remove unfair competition in the market," said Reinhardt Swart, the managing director of Tanga Cement.
The cement producer has complained to the government previously about the same issues. He added that the some of the cheap products were clinker on transit that are diverted to the local market and then sold cheaply because they are not taxed. In addition the government ban on coal imports has raised the company’s energy costs. Swart said that the company is also appealing to the government to secure more reliable electricity supplies.
US: The Essroc cement plant in Speed, Indiana has lots its appeal to burn alternative fuels. Local government officials have decided that the plant will have to apply for rezoning to order to burn hazardous waste, comprising solvents, paints and other chemicals along with coal, according to the Washington Times newspaper.
“I’m disappointed in the decision, but I’m confident that we’ve got other means to obtain the required authorisation to continue with the project,” said Jeremy Black, the plant manager.
Local residents who are suing the plant have accused Essroc of misleading them regarding which fuels the company intends to burn. Essroc have denied the claim.