5. - Secil

The Group bolstered its leadership in sales
of CEM II/A-L 42.5 R cement and started
work on the technical and economic analysis
of new cement types and the respective
trials in order to improve the sustainability
of the products marketed.
Sales of white cement were down by
9% on 2007, due to shrinking consumption
levels.
Export sales totalled 905 000 tons,
representing a drop of 6% in relation to
the previous year. Exports of white cement
totalled 20 000 tons.
Secil cement was used in a number of
high-profile projects, completed or curren-
CEMENT PRODUCTION
3. Portugal
tly in progress, including the Multipurpose
Pavilion in Viana do Castelo, the containment
works for the marina at Parque das
Nações, in Lisbon, the Valtorno and Picota
dams, the Lisbon underground railway, the
Cascais fort, the Santo Tirso Sports Complex,
the Matosinhos mortuary and various
road and motorway projects, including the
A17 and the EN 18, in Évora.
The distribution system responded fully
to market demands. In a year in which fuel
prices and maritime freights were extremely
high, transport cost management was
a priority which was managed with success;
the average transport price per ton of
cement sold in Mainland Portugal came
down by 7%.
The cement produced at the three plants
continues to present fairly homogenous
final characteristics and high quality standards,
an aspect which is regarded key
in sustaining general market recognition
of the highest standards adopted by
Secil.
Petcoke prices climbed sharply, up
by an average of 50%, and having reached
record levels by middle of the year.
The cement plants have made considerable
efforts to cut their production
costs. Its streamlining efforts have been
fundamental to limiting the negative
effects of increased energy costs. Increased
use has been made of residue
both for power generation and as a raw
material, and the percentage of clinker
incorporation in cement has been further
reduced.
3.2.2. PRODUCTION
Total cement production stood at 3.3 million
tons, down by 7%, due in part to the
decline in demand in the last quarter of
the year. The cement mills worked to near
full capacity levels over the year.
2007 2008 VARIATION
Grey Cement 1 000 t 3 452 3 217 - 7%
White Cement 1 000 t 99 100 + 1%
Total 1 000 t 3 551 3 317 - 7%
The three plants have continued and increased
the use of ordinary industrial residue as
a substitute for thermal fuel. Use of hazardous
waste was resumed at the Outão plant
after a ruling by the Supreme Administrative
Court in January.
Overall, use of alternative thermal fuel
rose from a rate of 15.2% in 2007 to 18.1%
in 2008.
The Outão plant registered in March with
EMAS (Eco Management Audit Scheme).
The Maceira-Liz plant awaits issuance of
its environmental licence pursuant of the
application process which commenced in
late 2006.
Overall, actual CO 2 emissions were
down by 92 000 tons and did not exceed the
annual license limits allocated to Secil within
the PNALE.