Cement Raw Material Suitability Study – Raparin Cement Production Line

Overview

With rising demand for high-quality cement in the region, Raparin Group initiated development of a new cement production line. To ensure optimal product quality and sustainable resource management, the Group required a detailed assessment of local raw materials — particularly limestone, clay, and gypsum.
Charmo Geolab was commissioned to conduct an extensive geological and mineralogical study to confirm the suitability of these materials for high-performance clinker production.

Project Scope

Chemical Analysis of Raw Materials

Using advanced laboratory equipment, our team analyzed:
Calcium carbonate content in limestone
Silica, alumina, and iron oxide levels in clay
Hydration properties and purity levels of gypsum
These parameters directly determine clinker quality, strength grades, and production efficiency.

XRD & Petrographic Mineral Testing

X-ray diffraction and petrographic microscopy were employed to determine mineral composition, identify impurities, and evaluate structural characteristics of mineral samples.

Quality Benchmarking

All materials were compared against international standards such as:
ASTM C150
EN 197-1
AASHTO cement specifications
Benchmarking ensured the production line would operate within globally recognized quality ranges.

Quarry Suitability Evaluation

Charmo Geolab conducted soil and aggregate testing in nearby quarry zones to measure:
Abrasion resistance
Moisture absorption
Chemical durability
Fragmentation properties
These tests confirmed long-term supply viability.

Findings

The investigation produced highly positive results:
Limestone samples exceeded 92% CaCO₃, classifying them as premium-grade raw material ideal for high-strength cement.
Clay deposits contained balanced silica and alumina ratios, essential for achieving proper clinker phases.
Gypsum displayed high purity, ensuring strong performance in setting-time control.

Outcome

Thanks to the results delivered by Charmo Geolab:
Raparin Group achieved 85% local sourcing, dramatically reducing dependency on imported materials.
Production costs decreased significantly.
Local quarry operations became more economically viable.
Carbon footprint was reduced through shorter supply chains.
This study played a central role in enabling Raparin Group to launch a competitive, high-quality cement production line.