Tuesday, February 28, 2012

OMAN: Oman Cement's line one reopens for production

Oman Cement Company has resumed production on its first line less than two weeks after the Ministry of Environment and Climate Affairs (MECA) announced its decision to halt operations on the line following pollution fears.

In a statement to Muscat Securities Market (MSM), Oman Cement CEO Jamal al Hooti said the company has 'reached an understanding' with MECA over operation of the line's kiln.

He said, "Based on discussions with officials of the ministry and their understanding of all actions taken by the company to improve the environmental aspects, it has been agreed to re-operate the kiln."

No official from Oman Cement was available for further comment. The statement added that the company will implement an 'environmental project,' which will be 'as per the schedule agreed with the ministry.'

MECA announced the closure of line one at the company's Rusayl plant for a month on February 14 because the company failed to comply with emission standards and violated pollution control laws in the sultanate.

The company announced that clinker production would drop by 25 per cent due to the MECA decision, which would result in a 50,000 tonne drop in production.

However, in a previous statement to the MSM, the company announced that it would increase production on its second and third lines to make up for the closure of the first line.

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