Myanmar media reported that cement prices have doubled recently . In order to increase production capacity and ensure the normal operation of cement plants, the State Administration Commission announced that cement plants can apply for coal import licenses from February this year.
This is aimed at enhancing the production capacity of domestic factories and ensuring the continuous production of cement plants. Coal, the required industrial raw material, will be allowed to be imported, and cement plants in need can apply for relevant licenses.
At present, there are 16 private cement factories and 3 state-owned cement factories in Myanmar, mainly relying on natural gas and coal as fuel.
Coal is mainly produced in Geliwa, Maolat, Demu and other areas in Sagaing Province. However, parts of these areas are controlled by the local People's Defense Forces, and there are frequent clashes between military forces and these forces, as well as frequent air strikes by military warplanes. Therefore, it is very difficult to carry out coal mining and transportation according to the plan within the prescribed time.
In addition, gypsum, the raw material for cement production, is mainly produced in the Mau Mau Mau and Sib areas of Shan State. As a result of the ongoing fighting in these areas, cement production has declined significantly. During the peak season for the
construction industry, the price of cement has soared from 16000 kyats per bag to more than 30000 kyats, and the price of a bag of cement is still more than 20000 kyats (about 69 yuan). The 19
domestic cement plants have an annual production capacity of 7 million to 9 million tons, but they still need to import about 1 million tons of cement from abroad every year. The Federal Minister under the State Administration Commission, Dr. Charidan, stressed the need to ensure that factories operate at full capacity and produce high-quality products.
Environmentalists point out that coal has a negative impact on the environment and needs systematic management in transportation and use. The gas, particles, ash and odor of the waste may affect the health of the surrounding residents, and environmental protection measures need to be strengthened.
