CRI-MVSK plants boost Indian economy

The history of the origin, growth and subsequent technology absorption and acceptance of mini cement plant technology presents a contrasting scenario around the world. The technology owes its birth to large scale constructional development needs of war-devastated central Europe in the early 50s. By the early 60s, there had been several hundred mini cement plants in this region. Ironically, by the late 70s, the technology saw its demise in the places of its origin owing to poor cement demand and the advent of modern large capacity rotary cement plants, making the former unviable both technically and economically. However, mini cement plants emerged simultaneously in China and India in the 70s. Developments during the last two decades in China, Vietnam, India and neighbouring Nepal, Bhutan and Sri Lanka indicate that mini cement plants have established themselves as a viable alternative for cement production. The mini cement plant technology in these countries has been undergoing continuous modernisation with special emphasis on energy conservation and pollution control. The future of the technology lies in developing countries and will have to face the challenges of energy economy and environmental protection in line with large plants.