What are coal's applications in the cement industry?

Coal as an Energy Source

• Fuel for kilns: Coal is crushed into fine powder and burned to generate the high heat (over 1500°C) needed to produce clinker, the main ingredient in cement.
• Energy efficiency: The cement industry relies heavily on coal, and fuel costs make up around 15% of total production costs.
• Drying: Waste heat from the kilns is often reused to dry coal before it’s burned, improving overall energy efficiency.

Coal as a Raw Material and Additive

• Fly ash: A byproduct of coal combustion, fly ash is a pozzolanic material that can replace part of Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) in concrete mixes, making them more durable and eco-friendly.
• Raw material substitute: Certain high-carbon, low-ash coals can partially replace traditional raw materials like limestone and clay in cement manufacturing.

In short: Coal plays a dual role in cement production — it provides the energy to heat kilns and serves as a useful additive or raw material substitute, improving both efficiency and sustainability.