Holcim appeals some Weston conditions

3 March 2008

Holcim appeals some Weston conditions

Holcim (New Zealand) Ltd has lodged an appeal covering a number of conditions related to the consents for the Weston option cement plant.

The consents, to operate a cement plant and associated quarries and pits near Oamaru, were granted in early February by a panel of independent commissioners appointed by the Otago Regional Council and the Waitaki District Council.

Holcim lodged its appeal on Friday 29 February with the Environment Court.

"Overall, Holcim wants to ensure reasonable and workable conditions based on the effects as identified in the various technical reports and as supported by the technical experts, that would result from the construction and operation of the proposed Weston cement plant," says Ken Cowie, Holcim New Zealand Capital Projects Manager.

Holcim is seeking to clarify the meaning of a number of conditions, amend the detail in some conditions, as well as correct some minor typographical mistakes.

"The consents, as they stand, do not affect Holcim's ranking of the Weston cement plant as its preferred option for future cement supply, with its second priority option to continue the current Westport plant with an appropriate maintenance and capital works programme."

Holcim New Zealand will, later this year, put these two options to its parent company, Holcim Ltd, which will make the final decision (not expected before late 2008).

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Holcim (New Zealand) Ltd is a leading New Zealand supplier of cement, aggregates, ready mixed concrete and lime. Its involvement in the New Zealand building industry dates back to 1888, and today it operates more than 35 sites and employs approximately 530 people. It is part of the Holcim Group, one of the world's leading suppliers of cement, aggregates and construction-related services represented in over 70 countries on all continents.

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ENDS

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