Go-ahead for cement factory

Holcim, the world's second-biggest cement maker, says the Environment Court has approved plans for a new $500 million plant near Oamaru.

A final investment proposal for the 880,000-tonne-a-year plant was unlikely to be submitted to the parent company before late 2010, said Ken Cowie, capital projects manager.

Holcim makes about half New Zealand's cement and has been considering the Oamaru project since 2006 to replace its ageing Westport plant. The project includes a new port infrastructure and ships.