In a groundbreaking step towards sustainable construction, Nizak Mining Company, wholly-owned by the Saudi-listed City Cement, and UK-based Next Generation SCM have announced their collaboration to produce low-carbon supplementary cementitious materials (SCM) in the Kingdom. This partnership marks the first production of high-quality calcined clay SCM in Saudi Arabia, according to a joint statement from the two companies.
While specific investment figures remain undisclosed, the joint venture plans to establish its inaugural factory in Riyadh, targeting the commencement of production by the third quarter of 2025. The facility aims for an initial annual output of 350,000 tonnes, with ambitions to double this to 700,000 tonnes in its second year of operation.
Central to this initiative is the introduction of CemGreen’s CemTower technology from Denmark to the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) market. This cutting-edge technology enables the production of calcined clay while emitting a mere 8 kilograms of CO2 per tonne, representing a staggering 99 percent reduction compared to the International Energy Agency’s average of 600 kilograms per tonne for traditional cement production.
The joint venture emphasizes that the use of premium calcined clay SCM can slash carbon emissions from standard concrete by up to 58 percent. This development presents a vital alternative to conventional SCM sources like fly ash and slag, which are not locally available in Saudi Arabia.
Neil Crompton, the British Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, lauded the venture, stating, “This collaboration marks a first for Saudi Arabia in the production of Sustainable Cementitious Materials. It is a significant leap towards reducing environmental emissions and aligns perfectly with the Vision 2030 goal of fostering sustainable infrastructure development across the Kingdom.”
With its focus on environmentally friendly construction solutions, this joint venture is set to redefine the building industry in Saudi Arabia, promoting economic growth while contributing to global efforts to combat climate change.
