The Environment Ministry has not approved yet the 19 environmental impact assessment studies for the use of coal submitted by cement factories but has agreed to allow one factory to start construction works, Environment Minister Khaled Fahmy said.

Cement plants using coal do not pose any danger to the life of citizens, Fahmy told MENA Friday.

Present cement plants use Mazut, which is more dangerous than coal, the minister said.

The government is balancing between the use of coal and new and renewable sources of energy, he added.

Unfortunately, new and renewable energy cannot alone fulfill the energy needs of Egypt or operate cement furnaces, he said.
Source: MENA