PETALING JAYA: Cahya Mata Cement Sdn Bhd (CMC), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Cahya Mata Sarawak Bhd
(CMS), is looking at a long-term collaboration with Sinoma Industry Engineering (M) Sdn Bhd, a unit of Tianjin Cement Industry Design and Research Institute (TCDRI).
CMS group managing director Datuk Seri Sulaiman Abdul Rahman Abdul Taib said the aim of the tie-up is to further optimise the group’s efficiencies, which should lead to cost reduction.
“It is a collaboration between two parties and we will work together with them on how to improve our plants, especially our Mambong operations, on cement manufacturing and clinker as well as mining of limestone.
“Any business wants to reduce their costs. Although we have been managing the plant for quite some time, we need their expertise to tell us how to run it well so that there is minimal downtime in terms of maintenance and repairs.
“Efficiency and good cement quality is what we are looking at,” he said during the technical consultancy agreement signing ceremony yesterday.
Following the signing of the agreement, Sinoma will undertake a comprehensive study and technical analysis for CMC’s plans to construct a new clinker line as well as the optimisation of its existing facilities.
The technical assessment and studies undertaken by Sinoma is projected to optimise the manufacturing capabilities at CMC’s existing Mambong Line 1 and ensure the success in the turnkey project for Clinker Line 2.
For Mambong Line 1, Sinoma will provide a technical study and assessment focusing on technology sharing and transfer of technical know-how. This is aimed at enhancing process efficiency and cost-effectiveness of Mambong Line 1’s operations and maintenance.
Moreover, for Clinker Line 2, Sinoma will undertake a separate technical assessment and evaluation study for the engineering, procurement, construction and commissioning of its new line at Mambong.
The Clinker Line 2 is estimated to generate a daily production of 6,000 tonnes or 1.9 million tonnes per annum.
Sulaiman said Clinker Line 2, which will cost RM750mil, is expected to be more efficient with increased mechanisation. As such, the group does not foresee hiring more people for this expansion.
“With the new clinker deal, we are looking at efficiencies. Efficiency brings down the carbon emissions. This is one major thing that will improve, going forward. We are also looking at other things that will make us more green like in terms of electricity usage,” he said.
Looking ahead, Sulaiman said the group will be going into greener products. Along with its cement capacity expansion, it also plans to grow its concrete business.
“We have embarked on oil well cement. We have the facilities that we used before. We are utilising all our assets to the maximum. Additionally, one of the things that we are trying to promote is eco-friendly cement, which is greener, has less limestone and lower burning of clinker.”
Meanwhile, TCDRI vice-president Sun Jian said the demand for cement in China is at a plateau in the last few years and is expected to see a decline due to the slump in the Chinese property market.
“For us, our focus within the cement business is digitalisation and fostering a low-carbon footprint. The cement industry, be it in China, Malaysia or globally, faces significant pressure with regards to environmental, social and governance (ESG).
“Leveraging on our technical expertise and innovative technological solutions, we can support the industry in carrying out the ESG transition,” he said.
