MoNREC authorizes essential mineral production for cement manufacturing

The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Conservation (MoNREC) has announced the approval for the production of essential raw mineral resources required for manufacturing cement.
Across regions and states, there are allocated plots for various minerals: 29 for limestone, 13 for quartz and gypsum, 103 for charcoal, two for clay, and two for cast iron and bauxite.
During a coordinating meeting held on 21 February in Nay Pyi Taw, Union Minister for MoNREC, U Khin Maung Yi, stated that the production of necessary raw mineral resources essential for cement manufacturing, such as limestone, charcoal, gypsum, quartz, cast iron, bauxite, and clay, has been authorized.
Currently, there are a total of 19 cement factories across states and regions, including Nay Pyi Taw. Twelve of these are operational, while the remaining seven are temporarily suspended.
Charcoal produced by charcoal factories serves not only the cement industry but also acts as an alternative energy source in metal recycling, brick, cigarette, beverage, tissue, and rubber manufacturing. Additionally, gypsum and quartz find applications in fertilizer production.
Efforts by the ministry and relevant departments are focused on fully operating cement factories, sourcing input materials domestically, ensuring the availability of high-quality input materials and machinery, and improving operational efficiency. These efforts aim to reduce reliance on imports. — TWA/ TMT