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The Lukala Cement Plant's Life Cycle Analysis: Towards a More Sustainable Production

27 April 2026 by
David Mokoli
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Auteur : André Mampuya Nzita

Co-Auteur : Berge Lombo Nanguni, Popol Biabia Mumpele,, Léon Muanda Muzengi,, Lincoln Bukasa Muamba,, Emmanuel Musuyu Shindano,, Jessica Nzadi Bilonda,, Stéphane Sibitali Aukawa,, Memento Kabwe Kisebwe,, Fréderic Baningime Iyene,, Augustin Likenge,, Trésor Bondjembo Itamba,, Jerida Kosi Zola,, Remy Kangombe Lupungu,, Mélanie Kabola Banza,, Anaclet Kombayi Mutanga,, Diana Bahirwe Karhagobaga, Mazianda Makosa,, Gode Bola Bosongo,, Raphael Tshimanga Muamba,, Guyh Dituba Ngoma, Clément N’zau-Umba-di-Mbudi, Robert Muanda Ngimbi, Edmond Phuku Phuati and Baby-Jean Robert Mungyeko Bisulandu

Revue : IgMin Research - A BioMed & Engineering 

Lien : https://www.igminresearch.com/articles/a-pdf/igmin6.pdf

Résumé :

This paper presents a, in-depth life cycle Assessment (LCA) of the Lukala cement industry, as one of the largest emitters of CO , raises major sustainability concerns, particularly due to the deleterious effects on climate and public health. The objectives of this research include not only assessing greenhouse gas emissions but also identifying concrete methods to reduce these impacts. The study reveals that the Lukala Cement Plant emits approximately 9,0 tons of CO₂ per year, mainly from the decarbonation of limestone (%) and the clinkerization process (%). These ϐigures far exceed regulatory thresholds, highlighting the urgency of rapid and effective intervention to mitigate these emissions. The LCA identiϐied the most polluting production steps, including extraction, grinding, and clinkerization, paving the way for targeted and strategic improvements. Opportunities for optimization were identiϐied, including the use of less pure limestone, the integration of recycled materials, and the transition to renewable energy sources for the clinkerization process. This research is crucial in the current context of the ϐight against climate change. As a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, the cement industry must imperatively adopt sustainable practices. LCA provides a robust methodology to quantify environmental impacts and identify appropriate solutions. The results of this study can be applied to other cement plants around the world, serving as a model for other carbon-intensive industries. Future research should explore the integration of innovative technologies, such as carbon capture and storage, and the use of alternative materials in cement production. This study highlights the importance of immediate and coordinated action to transform the cement industry into a sustainable sector, ensuring economic proϐitability while protecting the environment for future generations. Commitment to environmentally responsible production practices is not only desirable but also essential to ensuring a sustainable future.

Keywords : Environmental impacts; Decarbonization; OpenLCA; Gas emissions; Global warming; Alternative raw material

David Mokoli 27 April 2026
 

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