BALCO plans supplying fly ash to UltraTech for low-carbon cement production

Bharat Aluminium Company Limited (BALCO), a venerated entity in India's aluminium sector and an integral part of Vedanta Aluminium, has embarked on a pioneering collaboration with UltraTech Cement Limited to manufacture low-carbon cement. This strategic partnership involves BALCO supplying 75,000 metric tonnes of fly ash to UltraTech, marking a significant step towards promoting a circular economy and sustainability in industrial operations.

BALCO's alliance with UltraTech Cement denotes a shared commitment to sustainability, since recently, the former collaborated with Shree Cement for a similar flay-ash transfer contract. By leveraging BALCO's high-quality fly ash, a by-product of thermal power generation at their Korba aluminium plant, UltraTech aims to produce cement with a reduced carbon footprint. Fly ash, known for its cementitious properties, not only improves the mechanical attributes and durability of cement but also offers substantial environmental benefits. Every tonne of fly ash used in cement production helps save approximately 700–800 kg of carbon emissions, 4.2 million KJ of energy, and 341 litres of water.

BALCO has established itself as a preferred supplier of fly ash to some of India's leading cement producers, fostering industrial collaboration to achieve a circular economy. The company's high-quality coal yields low-sulphur fly ash, ideal for various construction applications beyond cement, such as brick manufacturing and road construction. In FY24, BALCO's supply of over 4 million metric tonnes of fly ash exemplifies its commitment to resource efficiency and environmental stewardship, achieving an impressive 150% utilisation of the fly ash generated through its operations.

Mr. Rajesh Kumar, CEO of BALCO, emphasised the strategic importance of this collaboration, stating, "At BALCO, we are dedicated to advancing circular economy initiatives to ensure the effective utilisation of industrial by-products. Our partnerships offer multiple benefits, including enhanced quality, sustainability, and cost advantages for cement manufacturing, while also aiding in effective waste management. Our waste-to-wealth initiatives aim to develop thriving value chains that convert our by-products into valuable resources for other industries, maximising resource efficiency and promoting environmental sustainability."

Echoing this sentiment, Mr. Praveen Kumar, Senior General Manager, RM & Fuels East Cluster at UltraTech Cement, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, highlighting the mutual benefits it brings. "Partnering with BALCO aligns with our commitment to sustainable practices. Fly ash utilisation in cement production not only enhances product quality but also supports our sustainability efforts."

This collaboration between BALCO and UltraTech Cement sets a benchmark for sustainable industrial practices, paving the way for future innovations in the aluminium and cement industries. By fostering such strategic alliances, BALCO continues to lead by example in promoting environmental sustainability and resource efficiency.

If you wish to learn about more such sustainable initiatives in the international aluminium market, please have a look at AL Circle's special report, Sustainability in the Global Aluminium Industry.