Radio New Zealand - Te Reo Irirangi o Aotearoa

Cement company determined to build new plant

Updated at 9:14 am on 13 December 2009

Cement manufacturer Holcim says it intends to proceed with plans to build a $300 million plant in North Otago.

Holcim has sent a newsletter to 8000 Oamaru residents and other stakeholders advising them of its intentions to build a new factory at Weston.

In August, the Environment Court dismissed appeals against the building of the plant.

Holcim capital projects manager Ken Cowie says the focus now is on preparing its formal proposal for the company's head office in Switzerland.

Opponents of the project say it will ruin the Waiareka Valley area if it goes ahead.

Rodney Jones, of the Waiareka Valley Preservation Society, says residents near the site face continued uncertainty and he believes the current demand for cement does not justify the need for a new facility.

Holcim says the plant at Weston is not scheduled to be operating until 2013.

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