Discuss the locational aspects of cement industry around the world.

The raw materials of the cement industry are limestone, clay, gypsum and coal. A tonne of cement requires around two tonnes of raw materials and fuel. Hence the industry is highly weight losing in its character.

• Also the finished product is relatively low priced and a bulky com­modity.
• Therefore, neither the raw materials nor the finished product can bear a high cost of transportation over long distances.
• However, the impact of the raw materials is stronger in determining the location of cement industry. The US, Russia, Japan, Italy, Germany, France, UK, Spain, India, China, Poland, Brazil and Canada are the leading cement producers in the world.

In India, the cement industry made a beginning with the establishment of the first factory at Madras (now Chennai) in 1904. Later three plants were set up at Porbandar, Katni and Lakheri and the other areas followed suit.