Cement is a binding agent used to hold the ingredients of concrete together. Cement allows for economies to grow and expand. For this reason, countries with fast-growing economies are responsible for a vast majority of the world’s cement production. China, in particular is by far the world’s largest producer of cement.
Cement is made in a fairly simple process. Limestone and clay are ground and mixed with sand, iron and bottom ash. This mixture is then ground into a fine powder is heated in a kiln to 1,500 degrees Celsius. The resulting product from heating is called “clinker.” The resultant pellets of clinker are then finely re-ground with added gypsum and limestone. The consistency of the end product is so fine that it can pass through a filter that is able to hold water.Although the cement production process sounds simple enough, it poses serious environmental concerns. Written out, the chemical reaction of limestone during heating is CaCO3 + heat > CaO + CO2. However, to fully understand the impact that this process has, let’s analyze each of the
reaction’s components. First is the limestone. Limestone must be mined from the surrounding environment and shipped to the processing facility. Once at the mill, heat must be added to the limestone. This heat is generated directly from the use of a fossil fuel. The CaO that is produced is ground into a very fine powder. The dust that is released when the ingredients are repeatedly ground can pose human and wildlife health risks. Finally, and most importantly, the resulting gaseous byproducts of the heating process are very rich in CO2. The rapid production rate of cement means that the production of CO2 is also very rapid. In addition to the byproducts resulting directly from the cement ingredients, the cement is transported to the construction site using petrol/oil vehicles. The immense production of CO2 and the use of petrol/oil engines throughout the acquisition, production and distribution processes clearly demonstrates that concrete production equates to a massive contribution to global warming.
More modern kiln types used in cement production are more efficient by emitting far less CO2 and having more effective dust collection techniques. However, most of China’s cement producers cannot afford such upgrades. This means that in addition to China being the world’s leader in cement production, the majority of their cement production facilities are outdated and extremely polluting.The environment is not the only thing impacted by the mass production of cement in China; the people of China are affected as well. Although the Chinese cement industry, as a whole, has been
growing rapidly, the small enterprises are growing at the most rapid rate. The small enterprises are dangerous to not only the stability and sustainability of the industry in China, but they are equally as dangerous to workers who become ensnared in these facilities. The unlike larger enterprises that are often controlled and regulated by governmental agencies, the small enterprises operate under no control and without worker regulations. These smaller operations are often located in rural areas rather than more urban settings like the larger operations. These factors all aid in opening the doors to slave labor within the cement industry. Slave labor is seen in direct employment at the cement factories as well as indirectly at site where the cement is used such as new building construction, road construction/maintenance, dams, etc.
Without adequate action taken to improve Chinese cement facility operation standards, these facilities will continue to worsen economic performance and the sustainability. If these issues are to be resolved, steps must be taken to correct both environmental problems as well as human exploitation.
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