Holcim (New Zealand) Ltd has had its proposal for a new cement plant near Weston through a review process, but a final decision on whether to build it will not be made until later this year or early next year.
The Otago Daily Times understands Holcim's parent company's board of directors in Switzerland reviewed the proposal on Wednesday (Swiss time) but did not make a final decision.
When contacted yesterday, project manager Ken Cowie said Holcim staff in New Zealand had been notified the proposal had gone to the international board, which reviewed it and was satisfied with the progress made so far.
Asked when a final decision would be made, Mr Cowie said that was expected later this year or early next year, depending on when the board met again.
Holcim would continue with preparations for the project, including talking to equipment suppliers and proceeding with the expressions of interest process the company had started.
That process, which began in June, asked contractors to register their interest in being involved in construction of the plant and what services they could provide, Mr Cowie said.
Plans for the plant, originally proposed in the 1980s but not proceeded with, were revived by Holcim in May 2006.
All 46 resource consents the company needed to build the plant and open sand, coal and limestone quarries were granted by the Otago Regional Council and Waitaki District Council in February 2008.
They were later confirmed by the Environment Court in August, 2009.
Since then, Holcim had continued planning for the plant, aiming to get approval from its parent board to go ahead with the project.
The proposal had gone to the parent company's executive committee, which had agreed to refer it to the board.
If the plant is built, at peak construction up to 500 people would be employed.
Once commissioned - the earliest date would be 2014 if work started early next year - about 120 workers and up to 25 management staff would be required for the plant and quarries.
