Breakthrough in cement production: Supacem discovers clinker substitute - Invests $100m in new technology
CBI Ghana Ltd., producers of Supacem Cement, have invested $100 million into LC3 technology, a key step towards using local raw materials for the production of cement in Ghana.
The new plant located in Tema, which is the world’s largest LC3 plant, provides a homegrown solution to the clinker problem by tapping into Ghana's abundant raw material resources as a substitute for imported clinker.
Speaking in an interview, the Commercial Director of Supacem, Kobby Adams, said a significant step in enabling this innovation had been the Ghana Standards Authority’s adoption of the latest LC3 standard in 2024.
“This landmark achievement followed two years of collaboration between Ghanaian institutions such as KNUST (Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology), the University of Ghana, and Ghana's BRRI, alongside various international universities and laboratories.
This new standard, GS PAS 5:2024, paves the way for the widespread use of this more sustainable and locally sourced cement,” Mr Adams said.
Cement industry
Ghana's cement industry relies heavily on imported clinker, leaving it vulnerable to foreign supply problems and volatile global markets.
Cement retailers in the country also face growing difficulties, with widespread shortages of cement brands, limiting builders’ access to essential materials.
Behind this disruption lies a severe shortage of clinker, a crucial raw material imported for cement production.
Mr Adams explained that the current clinker scarcity and its escalating prices stemmed from a 5.6 per cent currency depreciation between December and February and the evolving global market uncertainties, including an increase in the export prices from the Mediterranean rim, a major clinker source.
On the benefits of the new plant to Ghanaian consumers, he said by producing a significant portion of their cementitious material, Supacem would reduce the impact of clinker shortages, leading to a more reliable cement supply for Ghanaian retailers and builders.
The project, Mr Adams said, had created over 160 direct jobs through local sourcing and infrastructure development in Tema and Torgome, and empowering local women through training programmes.
“While recent price adjustments have been influenced by various operational factors, a more cost-effective raw material supply chain could provide greater price stability and cement affordability. The production of LC3 significantly lowers CO₂ (carbon dioxide) emissions compared to traditional cement production.
This supports Ghana's climate action commitments and contributes to a greener future,” he said.
Investment
Supacem's investment in a world-class cement laboratory is considered essential in developing Ghanaian talent in advanced LC3 technology.
This positions Ghana at the forefront of sustainable cement production in Africa.
Mr Adams said by reducing reliance on imports and adding value to local raw materials, Supacem's project strengthened Ghana's economy and reduced its vulnerability to external economic factors.
“Supacem has taken the lead in transforming Ghana's cement industry.
The company has extended its supply of locally produced LC3 raw materials to Ghacem, Ghana’s largest manufacturer,” he said.
This move, Mr Adams said, further reduced clinker imports and highlighted Supacem's commitment to industry-wide sustainability and building a more resilient and self-sufficient cement sector in Ghana.
Industry
The Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Chamber of Construction Industry, Emmanuel Cherry, recently called for the exploration of local alternatives for clinker.
Supacem's investment, supported by the GSA's adoption of the LC3 standard, answers this call, showing the potential of Ghanaian ingenuity and resources to address critical industry needs.
Supacem's investment, supported by the Ghana Standards Authority’s adoption of the LC3 standard, appears to answer this call described by some industry experts as showing the potential of Ghanaian ingenuity and resources to address critical industry needs.
“Supacem's initiative offers a tangible solution to the current cement shortage and builds a foundation for a more sustainable, self-reliant, and environmentally responsible cement industry in Ghana,” an expert who declined to be named told the Daily Graphic.