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VNU UNIVERSITY OF ECONOMICS & BUSINESS

Faculty of Development Economics

MAJOR ASSIGNMENT

ASSESMENT ON THE CURRENT STATUS OF CEMENT PRODUCTION IN

VIET NAM

Lecturer: Associate Professor. Le Dinh Hai

Student: Nguyen Minh Bang

Module: Environmental Economics

Code: INE2004

Hanoi, Febuary 2024

 VNU UNIVERSITY OF ECONOMICS & BUSINESS

Faculty of Development Economics

MAJOR ASSIGNMENT

ASSESMENT ON THE CURRENT STATUS OF THE POLLUTION OF

CEMENT PRODUCTION IN VIETNAM

Lecturer: Associate Professor. Le Dinh Hai

Student: Nguyen Minh Bang

Module: Environmental Economics

Code: INE2004

Hanoi, Febuary 2024

HEADING

1. The urgency of the subject

The environment has long been no longer a strange concept to humans, it

appeared before humans were born, exists and develops over time until today.
However, since industrialization, human activities have threatened this existence.
Although the environment has not been completely destroyed, it has been
significantly polluted since the 19th century, which can be compared to being
“sick”.

The cement manufacturing industry is one of the key industries in Vietnam

because of the need to build infrastructure as well as the country's
industrialization and modernization policy. However, cement is also one of the
leading industries in terms of emissions (accounting for about 5% of total
greenhouse gas emissions created by human activities). This leads to many huge
consequences, especially for human health, because not only polluted air,
wastewater and solid waste also contain levels of certain toxic elements,
especially cement dust. Because it is light in weight, small in size, it easily
spreads in the air, causing serious damage to human health, some diseases
include: dermatitis, skin burns, skin allergies, other diseases. about the lungs, etc.
The important thing is that currently the majority of waste from production is
still discharged directly into the environment without treatment, which can lead
to unpredictable consequences.

Stemming from the above issues, the author decided to carry out the topic:
"Assessing the current situation of pollution in the cement industry in Vietnam"
2. Objectives of the study

Correctly assess the pollution situation of the cement production industry in

Vietnam, identify the causes of pollution.

From there, propose solutions to minimize negative impacts on the

environment.

3. Object and scope of the study

3.1. Research subjects
- Pollution status of cement production industry
3.2. Research scope
- Spatial scope: Vietnamese territory
- Time range: secondary data on emissions from cement production in
greenhouse gas inventories (2000 – 2023)
4. Topic structure

In addition to the introduction, conclusion, list of references, the thesis

includes four chapters as follows:

Chapter 1: Overview of the research situation and theoretical basis in the

topic area

Chapter 2: Research process and methods

Chapter 3: Current status of pollution in the cement production industry

Chapter 4: Proposed solutions

CHAPTER 1: OVERVIEW OF RESEARCH SITUATION AND
THEORETICAL BASIS IN THE SUBJECT AREA

1.1. Study overview

1.1.1. Estimated greenhouse gas emissions during cement production at Bim
Son Cement Company, Thanh Hoa and proposed mitigation solutions
(Thai Thi Thanh Minh, Hanoi University of Natural Resources and
Environment, 2021)
- Research objective: Inventory of CO2 emissions during cement production
at Bim So Company, Thanh Hoa
- Research method: Using the calculation method of IPCC (2016)
- Research results: The average total emissions of clinker production are
873 kg/ton in the period 2014 - 2020, 787.3 kg/ton in the period 2021 -
2030. Average CO2 emissions in the period 2021 - 2030 in production
PCB40 export is 473 kg/ton.
1.1.2. Research on the current situation of urban environmental pollution
and some solutions to protect the environment in Hanoi (Bui Thi
Phuong Anh; Do Diep Anh; Nguyen Lan Anh; Nguyen Thi Mai Anh;
Nguyen Van Tuan Anh; Kinh University Te - VNU, 2021)
- Research objective: Analyze the urban environmental pollution situation in
Hanoi city, thereby providing recommendations and solutions for Hanoi
people and authorities at all levels to reduce pollution. infected.
- Research method: Secondary data collection from reputable official
sources and quantitative analysis are used based on numbers and ratios to
interpret the research results obtained.
 - Research results: People's activities, economic and social activities are the
main causes of pollution.
1.1.3. Externalities: Environmental pollution issues and Carbon licenses
(Lam Quoc Huy; Nguyen Xuan Hoa; Nguyen Xuan Van, 2021)
- Research objective: Clearly understand the current situation of
environmental pollution, analyze a number of industries that have a great
impact on emissions as well as invent to reduce CO2 emissions.
- Research method: Collect secondary data from the Internet, essays,
scientific research articles,... related to the topic.
- Research results: The situation of environmental pollution is very serious
associated with the construction materials manufacturing industry, Carbon
licenses can significantly reduce pollution.
1.2. General comments on research overview and research gaps
Based on the literature review, the studies have used data collection and
analysis methods, thereby drawing conclusions about environmental
pollution issues. However, these studies have differences in subjects,
scope of research and measures and have not shown economic efficiency.
Therefore, this study is based on the inheritance of previous studies while
adding some new points:
- First: The research focuses on the subject of pollution in the cement
production industry
- Second: The study selects the research scope of time as greenhouse gas
inventories in Vietnam (2000 - 2023)
1.3. Concepts related to the research topic
1.3.1. Cement
Cement is an important construction material widely used in the construction
industry to create projects such as houses, bridges, roads, and other civil and
industrial works. It is produced mainly from natural materials such as limestone
and clay, through high-temperature melting with additives such as sand and iron
to create a composite substance. When the firing process is completed, the
cement will harden into a hard and resistant material.

Cement is mainly used to create concrete, which is another common construction

material, by combining it with water and sand or gravel. Concrete is a resistant
material and can be molded into different shapes and sizes, making it suitable for
a variety of construction applications.

1.3.1.1. Cement production process

The cement production process usually includes the following main steps:

Raw material extraction:

- Kaolin (limestone) and clay are two main materials extracted from mines or
mining sites.

- Additive materials: Additive materials such as iron, clinker, coal powder,

sewage sludge, or other additives can also be collected and used depending on
the specific production process.

Grind and mix:

- Ingredients are crushed to create a homogeneous mixture. This may include

using crushers to grind limestone and clay into powder.

Make dough:
- Powder is produced by mixing crushed limestone and clay with other additives.

Heated:

- The powder mixture is transferred into a heated oven at a very high

temperature, usually about 1400-1500 degrees Celsius.

- During heating, the components of the powder mixture react and form clinker,
an intermediate product containing new mineral phases.

- The clinker is then cooled quickly and crushed into a fine powder, called
portland cement.

Packaging and shipping:

- Portland cement is packed into packaging or transportation vehicles to be

transported to consumption points or concrete factories for use in creating
concrete.

The cement production process may have certain variations depending on factors
such as local raw materials, technology used, and final product requirements.

Figure 1. Diagram depicting the cement production process

Source: Journal of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences – No. 38 – 2021
1.3.2. Environmental pollution

Environmental pollution is the presence of toxic substances or other harmful

elements in the natural environment, such as air, water, soil, and ecosystems.
These pollutants can include chemical compounds, industrial waste, smoke, dust,
and other toxic substances.

Environmental pollution can cause many problems for human health, animals
and the natural environment. It can cause problems such as air pollution, water
pollution, deforestation, land degradation, and impact on biodiversity. Activities
such as industrial production, transportation, and energy consumption from fossil
sources are often the main sources of environmental pollution.

1.3.2.1. Air pollution

Air pollution is a condition when the air in the natural environment is

contaminated by toxic, toxic substances or harmful small particles. These
substances may include exhaust from vehicles, fumes from manufacturing plants
or homes, radioactive vapors from radiation sources, and other substances that
can cause problems for human health and the environment. .

Air pollution can take the form of smoke, dust, water vapor, gas vapor, and small
solid particles. These substances can cause a variety of problems, from
temporary irritation to serious health problems such as lung disease, respiratory
problems, and can even cause cancer.

1.3.2.2. Pollution water

Water pollution is a condition when water sources such as lakes, rivers, ponds,
wells, or underground water sources are contaminated with toxic substances or
harmful particles. Sources of this pollution can include waste from industry,
agriculture, and domestic activities, as well as from the introduction of
radioactive and other toxic substances from the environment.

Water contaminants can include chemical compounds, bacteria, viruses, dust

particles, nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus, and toxic substances such
as heavy metals. Water pollution can cause many problems for human and
animal health, as well as affecting water and soil ecosystems.

1.3.2.3. Soil pollution

Soil pollution is a condition when the surface soil or subsoil is contaminated

with toxic or other harmful substances. Sources of soil pollution can include
waste from industry, agriculture, mining activities, and improper use of
chemicals in production or daily activities.

Soil contaminants can include heavy metals such as lead and mercury, organic
compounds such as dioxins and PCBs, toxic chemicals from pesticides and
chemical fertilizers, and other substances that can be harmful to the environment.
human health and the environment.

Soil pollution can cause many problems such as land degradation, reduced soil
quality, and affecting agricultural productivity. It can also pose a human health
risk through direct contact or consumption of food from contaminated soil.

1.3.3. Carbon Credits

A carbon credit is a unit used to measure carbon dioxide (CO2) or carbon

equivalent emissions from an activity, production process, or an individual or
organization. This unit is used in carbon emission reduction programs and
environmental protection activities.

A carbon credit typically represents a reduction of one ton of carbon dioxide

emissions or equivalent from activities. Activities may include the use of energy
from renewable sources, increased energy efficiency in production processes,
and other measures to reduce carbon dioxide emissions.

Carbon credits are often traded in carbon markets, where organizations or

countries can buy and sell the credits as a way to promote carbon reduction
activities and encourage energy development. clean and sustainable quality.
CHAPTER 2: RESEARCH PROCESS AND METHODOLOGY

2.1. research process

In order to achieve the research objectives, the research process includes the
following steps

Overview document Determine research

methods

Write a report Data analysis Collect data

Figure 2. Research process

2.2. Data collection methods

2.2.1. Document research methods

The author uses this method to collect secondary information through searching
books in the VNU library, documents from academic websites such as Google
Scholar, Research Gate,...; Sources on the websites of prestigious journals in the
world and previous research.

2.2.2. Data analysis methods

Quantitative analysis methods are used based on numbers and ratios to interpret
the results obtained
CHAPTER 3: STATUS OF POLLUTION IN CEMENT
PRODUCTION INDUSTRY IN VIETNAM

3.1. Industry emissions over periods

According to a study by Global Cement Review, the construction industry

accounts for about 11% of man-made CO2 emissions. Of these, CO2 emissions
from global cement production account for 7%, more than the aviation, shipping
and long-distance transport industries.

Vietnam has gone through 5 national inventories of greenhouse gases, this is an

important content to serve the development of the National Notice on Climate
Change, and the Biennial Update Report to the Convention. United Nations
framework on climate change.

The chart below shows the amount of CO2 equivalent that the cement industry
has emitted over time:
40
36.7
35.2
35
Nghìn tấn CO2 tương đương

30 28.2

25
20
20

15

10
6.6
5

0
2000 2010 2013 2014 2016

Lượng CO2 tương đương

 Figure 3. Graph showing cement industry emissions over each period

Source: author's compilation based on data from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment

The chart above shows that the cement industry's emissions have increased
gradually over the years and have not shown any signs of decline or stagnation.
In about 16 years from 2000, emissions have increased by more than 30
thousand tons. CO2 equivalent. In addition, cement production is also the
industry that accounts for the largest proportion of emissions in the IPPU sector
(figure 4).

Figure 4. Proportion of GHG emissions in 2016 in the IPPU sector

Source: Third biennial update report, Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment
In addition, IPPU is also the industry with the second largest proportion of
emissions after the energy industry (Figure 5).

Figure 5. Proportion of GHG emissions in 2016 by sectors

Source: Third biennial update report, Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment

Besides emissions, cement production also creates a large portion of solid waste
and wastewater, such as kaolin, waste sand, etc. These wastes contain chemicals
and residues from the cement production process. bamboo shoots, if not handled
properly, will cause very serious consequences for the environment in general
and human health in particular.

3.2. Reason

Due to the characteristics of heavy industry, cement production needs to use

many raw materials and non-renewable fossil fuels (limestone, clay, etc.).

One of the causes of CO2 in the cement production process is the use of coal to
provide heat. According to Associate Professor Dr. Luong Duc Long - Deputy
Director of the Vietnam Cement Association, to produce 1 ton of clinker (the
basic ingredient of Portland cement - a type of cement widely used in
construction) it is necessary to use about 120 liters of clinker. – 140 kg of coal
and about 900 kg of CO2 emissions. In addition to clinker, CO2 also comes from
the cement grinding process and when producing mineral additives.

Second, the energy industry in Vietnam still depends heavily on thermal power.
According to Associate Professor Dr. Luong Duc Long, producing 1 ton of
clinker requires 60 - 65 kwh of electricity, which is currently the case with
cement production lines. usually has a productivity of over 2000 tons/day. Thus,
in addition to the direct emissions sources mentioned above, the cement industry
has indirectly released emissions into the environment through the use of large
amounts of electricity.
CHAPTER 4: PROPOSED SOLUTIONS

4.1. Technical solutions

4.1.1. Use waste as alternative fuel

According to data from authorities, the whole country is currently

generating about 60,000 tons of household waste every day. The nation's
waste contains the equivalent of 6 million tons of coal dust each year used to
produce cement. Although it is not possible to fully utilize this heat for
cement production, it is still a good source of exploitable energy. Currently,
some cement factories have begun to use waste as an alternative to coal dust.

4.1.2. Energy system improvements

You can consider installing solar panels on the roofs of office areas in the
factory to provide power for the production line system.

4.2. Economic solution

4.2.1. Accelerate the adoption of the Carbon credit market

Based on the draft project "Development of Vietnam Carbon market". By

2025, Vietnam will begin piloting and by 2028 it will officially operate.
Vietnam has great potential in this due to its large forest area.

The author would like to make a few suggestions as follows:

- Building an information system and database for the Carbon market, a

system for determining greenhouse gas emissions
- Establish a mechanism to exchange and offset carbon credits domestically
- Build a monitoring system for greenhouse gas emissions at all levels
according to international standards
- Create a trading floor for emissions quotas and carbon credits, supporting
businesses