Improved Clinker System For Lami

Aclinker discharge infrastructure facility has been proposed for Lami.

And an Integrated Conveyor System (ICS) at Lami Jetty is part of plans for the development of the clinker facility.

The plans are contained in an environment impact assessment report commissioned by China Navigation Company.

The report is available to the public until June 1, 2020, and can be sourced from the Department of Environment’s office at McGregor Road in Suva, and the Lami Town Council.

According to the report, the existing clinker system has caused dust related problems, the report said.

It has also been a major contributing factor to damage of roads through the use of heavy transporting trucks, the report said.

Modifications will transform the clinker supply chain to discharge into the barges, and directly into Pacific Cement Limited factory in Lami, the report said.

The proposed system will negate the use of trucks and associated dust as the new proposal focuses on marine transportation of clinker material, the report said.

Dredging Lami Jetty

Contained in the report are details of dredging plans for Lami Jetty, in what is said is a move to enhance domestic and international shipping services.

Prepared by Envi-Green Pacific Consultancy Limited (GREENPAC), the report said dredging for barge canal and berth pockets were also part of the development.

Budget allocation

A $3 million budget allocation has been set aside for dredging.

Lami Jetty was last dredged 20 years ago, the report said.

Fiji Ports Corporation Limited has given the nod for China Navigation Company Fiji Branch and Swire Bulk to dredge Lami jetty, the EIA report said.

The proposed dredging will specifically be for the purpose of facilitating the clinker system project, the report said.

Dredged spoil disposal will be discarded a site outside the Daveta Levu passage, the report said.

Future maintenance dredging

Work being done at Lami jetty, Suva. in the area will be the responsibility of Fiji Ports Corporation Limited, the report said.

Dredging of Lami jetty will also allow greater domestic and international maritime traffic in the area, the report said.

The proposed system will focus on marine transportation of clinker material, the EIA report said.

“Environmentally, the area to be developed is an already polluted site, located in an industrial area compounded by an improper drainage system within the area,” the report said.

What is clinker?

According to Wikipedia, clinker is a solid material produced in the manufacture of cement.

Clinker appears in lumps or nodules when heating clay and limestone, according to Wikipedia.

Clinker, if stored in dry conditions, can be kept for several months without appreciable loss of quality.Wikipedia said cement manufacturers purchasing clinker usually grind it as an addition to their own clinker at their cement plants.

Manufacturers also ship clinker to grinding plants in areas where cement-making raw materials are not available, according to Wikipedia.

The report called for businesses within the Lami jetty area to put in place appropriate measures to ensure sustainable development is carried out.

“The jetty development is an integral part of the overall clinker transportation project.

“The project will bring greater economic and environmental benefits to the communities of Lami and Fiji as a whole.”

The EIA report is available for viewing at the Department of Environment office at McGregor Road, and the Lami Town Council.

Viewing ends on June 1, 2020, after which interested parties are expected to pay a fee to access the report, said the Environment department.