One of India’s largest cement producers, ACC Ltd is developing coal blocks in joint ventures with state governments to secure raw materials for its plants.

Mr Kuldip Kaura chief executive of the Indian unit of Swiss cement maker Holcim Ltd on the sidelines of an event told reporters that “There has been a lot of burden on the Indian cement industry due to the rise of coal prices, [as the fuel] comprises almost 25% to 30% of the cost of production.”

He added that while coal will remain the dominant fuel to run its plants, the company is also focused on developing alternative sources of energy, such as biological and industrial waste to supplement energy from its coal based power plants.

A recent supply crunch with India’s largest coal producer, Coal India Ltd had affected production of steel and cement factories, along with power plants.

(Sourced from blogs.wsj.com)