Lafarge Canada Inc. completed a multi-million dollar modernization project to its Exshaw, Alberta, facility. Through the modernization, Lafarge’s production capacity has been increased from 1.3 million metric tpy to 2.2 million metric tpy.
“It is an incredible achievement, completing a project of this scale. Completing it safely takes focus and energy and I applaud the team for its dedication to this goal,” said René Thibault, president and CEO, Lafarge, Western Canada. “By all accounts we consider the project to be a success, cementing our long-term commitment to Exshaw, Alberta, and western Canada.”
Work on modernizing the plant began in 2013, with efforts centered around major kiln upgrades, including a $20 million investment in kiln 5 to meet new emissions targets by retiring less efficient gravel-bed filter technology. The plant’s kiln 4 was decommissioned in November 2015.
The project also included construction of a new kiln 6 with a state-of-the-art baghouse to collect particulates, as well as a vertical raw mill, the EcoDome storage facility, a pre-heater tower and a vertical cement mill to complete the expansion.
Technology upgrades led to a 60 percent reduction in sulphur dioxide emissions, a 40 percent reduction in nitrogen oxide emissions, and a significant reduction in fugitive dust and noise coming from the plant’s equipment, noted the company. The Exshaw plant has also achieved zero water discharge from its operations.
The economic impact of the plant’s increased production and GDP of Alberta is estimated at $1.2 billion per year. Lafarge’s investment in the expansion will provide long-term, well-paying employment opportunities as well as construction material for Alberta’s entire built environment.
