PPC starts hot commissioning of DRC plant

In addition to the plant, construction of the associated infrastructure is also well on its way to completion. The 13 km power line that will supply the plant is complete, tested and commissioned, while the workers’ village is 80% with handover of houses already underway.

Full power and the village were available to the plant from the end of January. When fully commissioned the plant will have a capacity of 1 million tpy of cement and 3000 tpd of clinker. The plant was constructed by Sinoma as the EPC contractor, with Ercom Engineering providing technical consultancy services.

The plant represents at US$280 million investment by PPC, creating around 800 jobs during peak construction. During operation, the plant will create 203 permanent jobs, as well as 30 on environment and social programmes, and 86 contractor roles covering catering, cleaning and security.

The plant is located 20 km from Kimpese in the western part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, ensuring access to the main markets. As well as the cement plant, power line and village, the project also includes an associated quarry.

First published 9 February. Updated with details on plant capacity, suppliers and investment.

Read the article online at: https://www.worldcement.com/africa-middle-east/15022017/ppc-starts-hot-commissioning-of-drc-plant/