Nizak Mining Company, a subsidiary of Saudi-listed City Cement, has partnered with UK-based Next Generation SCM to produce low carbon concrete in Saudi Arabia. This joint venture (JV) marks the first production of premium calcined clay supplementary cementitious material (SCM) in the country.
The JV plans to establish its inaugural factory in Riyadh, targeting production by the third quarter of 2025. The initial output is set at 350,000 tonnes annually, doubling to 700,000 tonnes in the following year. Specific investment details were not disclosed.
The collaboration will also introduce CemGreen’s CemTower technology to the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) market. This Danish technology is notable for producing calcined clay with only 8 kilos of CO2 per tonne, achieving a 99% reduction compared to the global average.
Using the premium calcined clay SCM is expected to decrease carbon emissions from conventional concrete by up to 58%. This presents a sustainable alternative to traditional SCMs like fly ash and slag, which are not locally available in Saudi Arabia.
British Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Neil Crompton, highlighted the venture’s significance: This joint venture will be a first for Saudi Arabia, producing Sustainable Cementitious Materials that will contribute to a significant reduction in environmental emissions, and facilitate a Vision 2030 goal of sustainable infrastructure development for Saudi Arabia.
