Kim Jin-tae Says "Cement Industry Is a Pillar of Gangwon's Economy... Transitioning to an Advanced Future Industry"

Kim Jin-tae, Governor of Gangwon, Visits Halla Cement Plant in Gangneung for November "Into the Province with the People" Campaign
Declaration of "Transformation of the Cement Industry into an Advanced Future Industry" with the Promotion of the CCU Megaproject
Gangwon Accounts for 63% of National Cement Production... Governor Kim Encourages and Communicates with Workers
Administrative Support for Passing the 190 Billion Won CCU Megaproject Feasibility Study and Reducing Fine Dust Emissions

Kim Jin-tae, Governor of Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province, continued his on-site visits for the November "Into the Province with the People" campaign by visiting the production plant of Halla Cement Co., Ltd. in Okgye-myeon, Gangneung City on the 13th.

Jin-Tae Kim, Governor of Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province, visited the production plant of Halla Cement Co., Ltd. in Okgye-myeon, Gangneung City on the 13th, continuing his on-site visits for the November "Into the Province with the People" campaign. Provided by Gangwon Province

This visit was organized to listen to the difficulties faced by the cement industry, which is struggling due to the recent downturn in the construction sector, and to encourage on-site workers, considering Gangwon Province's industrial significance as it accounts for 63% of the nation’s cement production.

Upon arrival at the plant, Governor Kim received a briefing in the conference room from Halla Cement and provincial officials on the company's current status and the progress of the CCU (Carbon Capture & Utilization) megaproject, which has a total project cost of 190 billion won.

The CCU megaproject is a national strategic initiative in which the government is investing approximately 1.1 trillion won. It is an advanced future industry that captures carbon dioxide emitted from cement plants (in Gangneung and Samcheok) and coal-fired power plants, and converts it into eco-friendly ship fuel e-methanol, lithium carbonate for secondary battery materials, and new architectural materials.

Governor Kim encouraged workers and stakeholders, stating, "Gangwon Province accounts for 63% of the nation's cement production and is a key pillar of the Gangwon economy."

He added, "The cement industry will now have an opportunity to transform into an advanced future industry through the 190 billion won CCU megaproject. The province will do its utmost to ensure the project passes the preliminary feasibility study."

Governor Kim then visited the central control room, which serves as the heart of the plant, to check the real-time operation of the entire production process and personally encouraged the employees on duty.

The Halla Cement Okgye Plant has a total of four kiln process facilities, but the No. 1 kiln has been out of operation since 2024 due to the slump in the construction sector. Currently, only three kilns are operating, producing 5,500 tons of cement per kiln per day, for a total of 16,500 tons daily.

After inspecting the central control room, Governor Kim moved to the cement production site, where he participated in activities such as carrying empty bags, packaging, and plant cleaning, directly engaging with the workers.

Meanwhile, for the first time this year, the province secured national funding from the Ministry of Employment and Labor and is promoting the "Cement Industry Employment Slowdown Response Worker Safety Package Support Project," with a budget of 667 million won. This project supports health checkup costs and self-development expenses for employees of partner companies.

Governor Kim stated, "While the cement industry is a leading sector, the reality is that there are many complaints from residents about dust and fine particulate matter. Nevertheless, cement and power companies in the province have voluntarily signed agreements to reduce fine dust emissions by 46%, and a second agreement is scheduled to be concluded within this month."

He added, "As companies are voluntarily reducing emissions, the province plans to drastically reduce the emission charges that have been imposed and will continue to provide support."