BUILDING AFRICA’S INDUSTRIAL FUTURE — THE ROLE OF REFRACTORY INNOVATION IN SUSTAINABLE GROWTH

DURABILITY. EFFICIENCY. SUSTAINABILITY.

As Africa’s heavy industries grow, so too does the pressure to modernise operations, lower energy consumption, and align with global sustainability goals. While attention is often placed on fuel types, emissions controls, and new technologies, refractory innovation quietly plays a foundational role in industrial sustainability — reducing energy losses, extending asset life, and lowering environmental impact.

At DGC Refractories, we believe sustainability begins with reliability. By supplying shaped refractory materials engineered for thermal efficiency and longevity, we enable our clients to do more with less.

LESS HEAT LOSS = LESS ENERGY WASTE

High-performance shaped refractories — particularly those used in rotary kilns, furnaces, and thermal vessels — act as thermal envelopes for industrial plants. When optimised, they:

·       Retain heat longer, reducing fuel requirements

·       Stabilise process temperatures, improving product consistency

·       Extend relining intervals, reducing waste and maintenance emissions

·       Support alternative fuels by tolerating fluctuating thermal conditions

For cement producers, metal smelters, and steel plants across Africa, these benefits translate directly into lower operating costs and smaller carbon footprints.

EXTENDING CAMPAIGN LIFE, MINIMISING DISRUPTION

Frequent unplanned shutdowns not only affect production — they are resource-intensive. Refractory failure often leads to:

·       Emergency repairs

·       Increased labour mobilisation

·       Logistics strain and carbon emissions from rush orders

·       Scrapped product and wasted energy

DGC Refractories addresses this by supplying dimensionally precise, chemically stable brick materials that are proven to outlast conventional alternatives. Fewer relines. Fewer shutdowns. Less waste.

LOCAL SOLUTIONS, GLOBAL STANDARDS

Our materials are sourced and tested in accordance with international performance criteria, but designed to meet the realities of African industrial operations — from power reliability and transport routes to shutdown scheduling and climatic stressors.

By integrating third-party QA/QC, robust material planning, and pre-engineered brick packages, we provide clients with:

·       Predictable performance

·       Extended asset lifespans

·       Lower environmental disruption per output tonne

SUSTAINABLE PARTNERSHIPS FOR A RESILIENT CONTINENT

DGC’s legacy spans over a century, and we intend to be part of Africa’s industrial future for the next 100 years and beyond. To do that, we must support sustainable industrialisation through:

·       Materials that reduce consumption

·       Processes that reduce waste

·       Partnerships that deliver long-term value

From South Africa to Saudi Arabia, we are committed to helping our clients transition to cleaner, more efficient operations — one brick at a time.

LET’S MAKE SUSTAINABILITY PRACTICAL

If you're looking for ways to improve energy efficiency, reduce maintenance waste, or extend campaign life, speak with us. Our solutions are not just about lining furnaces — they’re about enabling resilient, future-ready industries.

Over a Century of Trusted Service - Committed to Safety, Quality, and On-Time Delivery.

Contact DGC Refractories to explore how our shaped refractory materials can support your ESG and operational goals.

 Reach out to our technical team by emailing contactus@dgc-africa.com or visiting www.dgc-africa.com

 ABOUT OUR COMPANY, HISTORY, AND PARTNERS

Dickinson Group of Companies (DGC) was founded in 1910. Please visit our website for comprehensive information about Our Company – History, Vision & Values, Strategy, Global Alliances, Africa Footprint, Commitment to Safety, Anti-Corruption Policy, References, and Industrial Solutions.