NKOMBO KACHEMBA, Lusaka
CEMENT production in the first half of this year increased by 5 percent to hit 1.2 million metric tonnes compared to 1.1 million tonnes last year.
This is according to data obtained from the Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development on the performance of the construction industry in the first half of this year.
Last year the price of cement rose to K130 per 50 kilogramme bag from slightly below K90 with cement-manufacturing companies citing the shortage of gypsum as a contributing factor.
Gypsum is a mineral used as a retarder in the manufacture of cement and is a by-product of cobalt mining.
Two years ago, Chambishi Metals in Kalulushi, which is the only producer of gypsum, was placed under care and maintenance, a move which resulted in the shortage of the metal.
However, despite the challenges which the industry faced, most cement manufacturers improved on the CLICK TO READ MORE