Australian cement industry comprises three main producers: Adelaide Brighton Ltd, Cement Australia and Blue Circle Southern Cement. Their operations are located around Australia, and include 15 manufacturing sites, 10 mines and 74 distribution terminals. Cement plants are located in regional centres or in small rural communities making it a significant regional employer. In 2004, the industry employed 1840 people and produced over nine million tonnes of cementitious materials, with an annual turnover in excess of $1.25 billion.

Social

Cement manufacturing is a highly technical industry that employs a wide range of skills at a variety of levels. Due to its regional nature these roles are spread across Australia. The Australian industry works closely with the international scene, importing world class technology and practices. Locally the industry uses innovation and opportunity to introduce new ideas and involve other industries, integrating practises that strengthen the manufacturing base of Australia.

Environment

The cement industry has opportunities to reduce the environmental effect of both industry and the community through the use of alternative fuels and raw materials. In addition, supplementary cementitious material (SCM) utilises suitable wastes in the cement making process instead of clinker. These actions not only conserve natural resources and reduce landfill but in many cases reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Advances in technology also contribute to reducing the impact on the environment.

Economic

While Australia is a relatively small market by world standards it has a good supply of raw materials for cement manufacturing. The industry has invested and worked to remain globally competitive by modernising plants and opening cement standards to the use of SCM in concrete and mineral additions in cement. These actions also reduce production costs.