Earlier this month, Ash Grove celebrated the completion of its new finish mill at the Durkee plant, Oregon’s only cement plant and one of the longest-standing operations in the region. A ribbon-cutting event was attended by state and local government officials, customers and employees.
The new mill increases cement production capacity by 210,000 tpy without increasing clinker production or CO₂ emissions. It enables Durkee to use more limestone and natural pozzolans as clinker substitutes, allowing the plant to deliver more volume while reducing the carbon intensity of its cement.
Ash Grove noted that the plant recently purchased rights to a natural pozzolan source in Oregon, and product development is underway to further integrate the source into future cement offerings. This step expands the plant’s ability to produce high-performance blended cements.
The ribbon-cutting marked the commencement of the new mill’s full operation, with benefits expected to be realized across the region’s construction, infrastructure and industrial markets.
