In 2023, foreign sales of the resource reached over 8.48 million tonnes Launch of City Cement Co.’s sustainability report marks a significant step toward a more eco-conscious future for the sector RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s cement and clinker exports have stayed above 8 million tonnes for four years in a row — double the amount recorded in 2018, according to the latest figures. New data showed that in 2023, foreign sales of the resource reached over 8.48 million tonnes. The Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources, Bandar Alkhorayef, emphasized this during the launch of “Madinah Cement Co’s” first sustainability report, reported the Saudi Press Agency. During the launch, Alkhorayef discussed the Kingdom’s position as the leading cement producer in the Arab world and the 10th largest globally, with an annual production capacity exceeding 80 million tonnes. Saudi Arabia’s cement industry is supported by 20 factories across the country. The minister said that domestic demand for cement reached approximately 47.3 million tonnes in 2022, driven by ongoing large-scale development projects. With construction sector investments expected to hit SR6 trillion ($1.6 trillion) by 2030, demand is projected to rise further. Alkhorayef emphasized the efforts of leading companies to adopt the latest manufacturing technologies, which improve production efficiency. Several firms have recently upgraded their production lines to enhance the quality of products. Saudi Arabia’s cement industry is vital in supporting the Kingdom’s ambitious Vision 2030 initiatives, including NEOM, the Red Sea Project, and Qiddiya. These undertakings, aimed at diversifying the economy away from oil dependency, are driving significant demand in the construction and infrastructure sectors, leading to a surge in the consumption of building materials such as cement. This positions the Kingdom as a key player in the regional and global cement markets, meeting domestic needs and increasing exports to international markets, reflecting the sector’s competitive edge. Alkhorayef further outlined the ministry’s strategic recommendations to make the cement sector more sustainable. These undertakings, developed in collaboration with relevant authorities, include the Industrial Competitiveness Program and the Liquid Fuel Displacement Program. Their implementation is expected to boost energy efficiency, lower production costs, and reduce carbon emissions, particularly within the cement sector. The minister also mentioned an initiative involving the Cement Companies National Committee, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, and other stakeholders to research to minimize industry carbon emissions and produce environmentally friendly cement. The launch of City Cement Co.’s sustainability report marks a significant step toward a more eco-conscious future for the sector. The study highlights the firm’s efforts to convert waste into alternative fuels for cement production and its recent agreement with a leading company to incorporate green technologies. The release of the inaugural sustainability report aligns with the Vision 2030 goals, reinforcing the organization’s role as a responsible leader in the sector. It also outlines tangible governance, social responsibility, and environmental protection initiatives, further enhancing its reputation as a company that adheres to global best practices.