The Nation reported that Siam City Cement expects to launch slag cement in Thailand in the next 3 months after signing an exclusive contract with TATA Steel.

Slag cement, which is a by product of iron, is increasingly being used in the manufacture of blended Portland cement. Due to its high durability and strength, slag cement can be used in general construction and high compressive projects such as ports and offshore platforms.

Ms Chantana Sukamanont EVP of SCCC said that "We could not produce slag cement earlier because there were no steel smelting outfits in the country. Now that India's TATA Steel has decided to establish the first blast furnace in Thailand, we have been given the opportunity of introducing this innovative product."

It may be noted that SCCC has signed a contract to buy 10,000 tonnes of slag cement every month from TATA Steel for 5 consecutive years.

From an environmental viewpoint, slag cement serves to make concrete more environmentally friendly because it is a recycled material and also helps reduce energy consumption as well as the emission of greenhouse gases in the production of concrete raw materials.

(Sourced from www.nationmultimedia.com)