The primary raw materials used in cement production include:
- Limestone: The main ingredient, which provides calcium carbonate.
- Clay or Shale: These materials provide silica, alumina, and iron.
- Sand: Additional silica.
- Iron Ore or Mill Scale: To provide additional iron oxide.
- Bauxite: Sometimes used to provide additional alumina.
These materials are typically mined, crushed, mixed in appropriate proportions, and then heated in a kiln to produce clinker, which is then ground to make cement.
