Sejong, November 14 - On November 7, the Ministry of Environment (ME, Minister Han Wha-jin) held the 1st environment management council for the cement industry in Seoul. The Ministry of Environment, local governments, and nine cement manufacturers attended the meeting to discuss various environmental issues related to the industry.

Eleven large-scale cement plants nationwide exist in regions with abundant limestone deposits: five in Chungcheongbuk-do, five in Gangwon-do, and one in Jeollanam-do. During the parliamentary inspections of the Ministry of Environment, the Environment and Labor Committee raised the issue that the emission standard of nitrogen oxide is relaxed for the cement industry compared to other sectors. There was a consensus that the emission standards should be elevated for emission reduction. There have been additional demands for the cement industry, including applying legally binding standards for heavy metal content in cement products. There are also demands to improve environmental issues, including applying for an integrated environmental permit for the cement industry. 

During the council meeting, participants exchanged a wide range of issues related to the cement industry. The Ministry of Environment shared the following issues with the participants.

- Strengthening the emission standard of nitrogen oxide for the cement industry 

- Environmental management according to expanding the use of recycled resources

- Applying an integrated environmental permit to the cement industry

Local governments believe that environmental complaints such as dust and odors may increase as residents' interest in cement industries increases. Accordingly, local governments plan to look into the environmental problems the cement industries are facing. On the other hand, the cement industry raised the issue that they suffer from unfavorable conditions, such as price surges and unstable supply of soft coals. The cement industry suggested that the central and local governments expand their support.

Geum Han-seung, Deputy Minister for Climate Change and Carbon Neutral Policy, said, "The Ministry of Environment will work on countermeasures to solve the overlapping problems of the cement industry." He added, "The Ministry of Environment will prepare for effective countermeasures based on the continuous discussions with the cement industry and local governments."

Contact: Lim Choong-mook, Deputy Director

Air Quality Management Division / +82-(0)44-201-6905

Foreign Media Contact: Chun Minjo(Rachel)

+82-(0)44-201-6055 / rachelmchun@korea.kr