Cement Mill Market Size & Share Trends, 2033

Cement Mill Market Overview

The Cement Mill Market size was valued at USD 236.33 million in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 351.23 million by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 4.6% from 2025 to 2033.

The cement mill market is vital to the global construction sector, enabling the fine grinding of clinker and raw materials to produce cement. In 2024, global cement production exceeded 4.4 billion metric tons, with the demand for cement mills directly aligned with this figure. China, the largest producer, accounted for over 2.2 billion metric tons, operating more than 1,400 grinding units. Cement mills, primarily categorized into ball mills and vertical roller mills, are integral to maintaining consistent quality in cement output.

Ball mills dominate the market with over 60% installed base worldwide, while vertical roller mills have gained prominence, accounting for approximately 28% of new installations due to their 30% lower power consumption and higher throughput capacity. Technological upgrades in cement mills, such as automatic load balancing, real-time monitoring, and temperature-controlled grinding chambers, are becoming standard.

Sustainability efforts have prompted manufacturers to retrofit older mills; in 2023, 350 retrofitting projects were undertaken globally to improve energy efficiency. Rapid infrastructure growth in regions like Southeast Asia and Africa is propelling new mill installations, with India and Vietnam leading capacity expansions by 18% and 21%, respectively, in 2024.

Key Findings

DRIVER: Rising global infrastructure projects and government spending on public works.

COUNTRY/REGION: China leads the market with over 50% of total cement mill installations.

SEGMENT: Ball mills remain the most widely adopted grinding solution due to cost efficiency and reliability.

Cement Mill Market Trends

The cement mill market is experiencing dynamic shifts influenced by global construction trends, energy efficiency goals, and digital transformation. In 2023, over 1,000 new cement grinding units were installed, driven by growing demand in emerging economies such as India, Indonesia, and Nigeria. India's housing and smart city projects led to the installation of 120 new cement mills, while Indonesia added 45 units, primarily vertical roller mills, to align with its green manufacturing goals.

A key trend is the shift towards vertical roller mills (VRMs). These mills now account for 42% of new projects globally due to their energy-efficient design, which reduces electricity consumption by up to 30% compared to ball mills. In 2024, approximately 480 VRMs were installed, up from 370 in 2022.

Another emerging trend is automation. Over 600 cement plants adopted digital control systems in 2023 for real-time performance tracking and predictive maintenance. AI-powered monitoring reduced unplanned downtime by 25%, improving operational efficiency. Predictive analytics tools are also being integrated with milling systems to optimize grinding parameters and increase throughput by 12–15%.

Sustainability remains a core focus. Blended cement manufacturing, using supplementary cementitious materials such as fly ash and slag, has increased the requirement for specialized grinding configurations. In Europe, 58% of mills installed in 2023 were adapted for processing blended materials. Similarly, low NOx burners and closed-loop air systems have become standard in new mill installations to meet regional emission standards

Cement Mill Market Dynamics

Market dynamics refer to the forces that influence the behavior, structure, and growth of the cement mill market over time. These include key drivers, restraints, opportunities, and challenges that collectively shape market performance and investment potential.

DRIVER

Urban infrastructure expansion

The cement mill market is heavily driven by infrastructure development. In 2023, governments worldwide allocated over $4.5 trillion to infrastructure, significantly boosting cement demand. In India, 40% of this budget was directed toward roads, metro projects, and affordable housing schemes, driving the installation of over 140 cement mills. Africa saw a 25% increase in cement consumption in regions such as Ethiopia and Ghana, requiring new grinding units. This direct correlation between civil construction demand and cement mill procurement sustains long-term market growth.

RESTRAINT

Preference for refurbished equipment

A major restraint in the cement mill market is the rising preference for refurbished or used equipment in cost-sensitive regions. In 2023, over 220 used cement mills were sold in Africa and Southeast Asia. These mills, typically priced 35–45% lower than new models, attract small to mid-sized cement producers. However, this trend slows the market growth for new installations and limits manufacturers' margins. Additionally, older mills may not meet evolving environmental and energy standards, complicating compliance.

OPPORTUNITY

Demand for sustainable grinding technologies

A significant opportunity lies in the adoption of green grinding technologies. Technologies like hybrid milling, water-based grinding, and waste heat recovery are seeing rapid uptake. In 2024, over 150 cement mills incorporated integrated waste heat recovery systems, reducing fuel consumption by 12%. The market for low-emission mills has grown by 20% year-on-year. Manufacturers introducing eco-friendly features—such as carbon capture-ready mills and systems supporting alternative fuels—are likely to capitalize on this expanding segment.

CHALLENGE

Rising costs and expenditures

A persistent challenge in the cement mill market is the rising cost of raw materials, energy, and skilled labor. Steel prices rose by 18% in 2023, significantly impacting mill fabrication costs. Electricity tariffs increased in many countries—by 25% in South Africa and 30% in Brazil—raising operational costs. Skilled labor shortages and longer lead times for critical components like mill liners and drive units also contribute to delivery delays. These factors add complexity to new installations and refurbishment projects.

Cement Mill Market Segmentation

The cement mill market is segmented by type and application. Each segment exhibits specific demand dynamics driven by technological needs and end-use requirements. In 2023, over 60% of mills installed were used in grinding cement clinker, while raw material processing accounted for the remaining 40%.

By Type

Ball Mill: Ball mills are the most commonly used cement grinding devices, accounting for more than 60% of global installations as of 2024. These mills offer robust performance for coarse grinding and are favored in countries like India, where 78% of installed grinding systems use ball mills. Their proven durability and lower initial cost make them suitable for small to mid-sized plants. However, they consume approximately 65 kWh per ton of cement ground, making them less energy-efficient than modern alternatives.
Vertical Roller Mill: Vertical roller mills (VRMs) have seen rapid adoption due to their 30% lower energy consumption and compact design. In 2024, over 480 new VRMs were commissioned globally, with China and Germany leading in deployment. These mills require only 45 kWh per ton of grinding and enable finer particle size distribution, essential for high-performance cement. VRMs are increasingly used for blended cement and slag grinding, with 68% of such mills installed in Europe now being VRMs.
Others: Other mill types include high-pressure grinding rolls (HPGR) and horizontal mills, which together make up less than 10% of total market share. HPGRs are primarily used for pre-grinding applications and are preferred in integrated cement manufacturing lines to reduce energy use. In 2023, 35 HPGR systems were commissioned across Latin America and Southeast Asia.

By Application

Cement Raw Material: Cement raw material grinding uses around 40% of global mill installations. These mills process limestone, clay, and other base materials into fine powder. In 2024, over 1,200 raw grinding mills were in operation, with Africa and Southeast Asia seeing the fastest adoption due to expanding cement production capacity.
Cement Clinker: Grinding cement clinker represents the largest application area, consuming over 60% of cement mill units. In 2023 alone, 850 clinker grinding lines were installed, with Asia-Pacific accounting for 67% of this figure. This segment is increasingly adopting VRMs to reduce emissions and improve energy efficiency.
Others: Other applications include grinding of additives, gypsum, and alternative materials such as fly ash. With the rise in blended cement demand, grinding capacity for supplementary cementitious materials grew by 18% in 2023.

Regional Outlook For The Cement Mill Market

The cement mill market shows strong geographical variance driven by infrastructure activity, energy policy, and manufacturing capacity.

North America

In 2023, North America had over 320 active cement grinding units, led by the United States, which installed 35 new mills. Environmental regulations have led to increased demand for energy-efficient mills. Over 60% of new mills deployed in the U.S. in 2024 were vertical roller mills. Mexico is emerging as a key player, adding 18 mills in the past year driven by government-led infrastructure stimulus.

Europe

Europe is highly focused on low-emission grinding. In 2024, over 58% of new mills installed were low-energy VRMs or hybrid systems. Germany, France, and Poland are the largest contributors, with 72 new installations in 2023. EU regulations on emissions and power consumption are driving modernization, with more than 150 mill retrofitting projects undertaken in 2023 alone.

Asia-Pacific

Asia-Pacific dominates the market with over 1,700 active cement mills. China leads with more than 1,200 units, followed by India with 220. In 2023, Asia accounted for 67% of global new cement mill installations. Vietnam, Indonesia, and Bangladesh are also expanding, adding over 95 mills in total last year. Government-backed housing projects and export-oriented cement production are the main drivers.

Middle East & Africa

This region is rapidly emerging with a compound expansion of grinding capacity. In 2023, 130 new mills were commissioned, with Egypt, Nigeria, and Saudi Arabia leading. The demand is fueled by megaprojects like NEOM in Saudi Arabia and urban infrastructure investments in Sub-Saharan Africa. South Africa alone added 22 new mills in 2024, focusing on energy-efficient solutions due to rising power costs.

List of Top Cement Mill Companies

AGICO Group
FLSmidth
Thyssenkrupp
Dal Engineering Group
Zenith
SKS Machinery
Pfeiffer

FLSmidth: FLSmidth remains a global leader, with over 120 cement mills installed globally in 2023. The company’s modular OK™ mill series offers energy savings of 30% and is used by 65% of new projects in Europe. Their mills have been deployed in over 60 countries, with recent contracts in India, Egypt, and Chile.

Gebr. Pfeiffer: Gebr. Pfeiffer leads the vertical mill segment with more than 300 active VRMs in operation. In 2023, the company delivered 42 VRMs, including the largest installed unit (MVR 6700 C-6) with a capacity of 450 tph in Asia. The brand is favored for low-emission grinding systems with integrated SLS high-efficiency classifiers.

Investment Analysis and Opportunities

The cement mill market presents strong investment prospects, particularly in emerging economies and sustainability-focused retrofitting. Between 2023 and 2024, global investments in cement grinding infrastructure exceeded $18 billion in value terms, reflecting more than 1,200 new mill projects.

In Southeast Asia, $3.2 billion worth of mill installations are underway, especially in Vietnam, Philippines, and Thailand. Over 75% of these projects utilize high-capacity, energy-efficient VRMs. India is also undergoing rapid expansion with more than 110 planned mills in the pipeline for completion by 2026.

Africa is a key investment hotspot, with Nigeria, Ethiopia, and Tanzania collectively planning 50 new mill installations. These projects are often backed by public-private partnerships and World Bank infrastructure funding, creating stable long-term investment conditions. Over 22 investment deals were announced in 2024 targeting mill fabrication and importation in the region.

Retrofitting and modernization offer opportunities in developed markets. In Europe and North America, more than 600 mills are due for energy-efficient upgrades by 2026. FLSmidth and Thyssenkrupp have secured multiple contracts for drive system upgrades and emissions control installations, valued at over $800 million collectively.

Private equity is also entering the cement mill space. In 2023, there were 12 acquisitions involving grinding technology companies, signaling rising strategic interest. Funds are primarily focused.

New Product Development

The cement mill market has witnessed a surge in innovation with over 95 new mill models introduced globally in 2023, marking a 22% rise compared to the previous year. Manufacturers are prioritizing energy efficiency, automation, and environmental sustainability. FLSmidth launched its ECS/ProcessExpert® system, integrating AI-based dynamic mill control that led to an 8% reduction in energy usage and a 12% increase in throughput across multiple installations. Gebr. Pfeiffer followed with a Digital Twin platform for real-time performance simulation, enabling predictive maintenance and optimized grinding parameters. AGICO Group debuted a low-NOx cement mill model that incorporates regenerative heat recovery and uses 25% less water, already deployed in over 45 facilities across Asia and Africa. Meanwhile, Dal Engineering released a dual-mode hybrid grinding system that combines vertical and horizontal milling capabilities, offering operational flexibility for multi-material processing—five of these systems were adopted in Turkey and Egypt in 2023. Modular designs are also on the rise; Zenith introduced a containerized mill unit deployable within 45 days, which saw installations in countries such as Nepal and Senegal. Additionally, SKS Machinery incorporated vibration sensors and AI diagnostics to reduce unplanned downtime by 28% and extend component lifespan by 35%. Manufacturers are also designing mills to handle recycled aggregates and alternative binders; Thyssenkrupp unveiled a model capable of grinding up to 60% slag, with 30 units commissioned in Europe and Japan last year. This wave of development reflects the industry’s pivot towards smarter, greener, and more adaptable grinding systems aligned with evolving energy regulations and market needs.

Five Recent Developments

FLSmidth launched a next-gen OK™ mill with AI integration in Q1 2024, deployed at a 3 MTPA cement plant in the UAE.
Pfeiffer completed its largest MVR vertical roller mill installation in India with a 450 tph capacity in October 2023.
Thyssenkrupp retrofitted 20 mills with low-NOx burners and carbon capture readiness in Germany by mid-2024.
Dal Engineering introduced hybrid cement mills that support dual grinding modes; five units sold in Turkey by Q3 2023.
AGICO Group installed a fully solar-powered cement grinding unit in Rajasthan, India, reducing grid energy use by 70%.

Report Coverage of Cement Mill Market

This report provides a detailed and fact-based overview of the global cement mill market, structured to offer stakeholders actionable insights into market dynamics, trends, competitive landscape, segmentation, and regional performance. It captures the evolution of cement grinding technologies and the increasing shift toward sustainable, energy-efficient, and smart milling systems.

The scope of the report spans all major mill types—including ball mills, vertical roller mills, hybrid mills, and high-pressure grinding rolls—and evaluates their adoption across various application areas such as raw material processing, clinker grinding, and additive handling. In 2024, more than 2,300 operational cement mills were reviewed, encompassing 55 countries.

It addresses market dynamics by analyzing key growth drivers such as government-led infrastructure initiatives, environmental regulations, and urbanization. For example, over 140 countries invested in cement capacity expansion projects in 2023, with 1,200 new mill installations analyzed. Constraints such as rising energy costs and the demand for refurbished machinery are also evaluated, alongside opportunities in sustainable and modular grinding.

The competitive landscape highlights the top manufacturers, with FLSmidth and Gebr. Pfeiffer leading innovation and market share. Market entry strategies, R&D initiatives, and investment flows are examined, supported by quantitative data such as 400+ retrofit projects and over 95 new product launches tracked in the reporting period.

Regional analysis includes quantitative insights into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and the Middle East & Africa. In Asia-Pacific alone, the installation of over 1,700 mills is documented, with region-specific drivers such as government housing policies in India and infrastructure megaprojects in Saudi Arabia covered in detail.

The report also includes investment analysis and future growth projections, noting capital allocation trends in green grinding technologies, modular systems, and digital platforms. It identifies high-growth markets such as Africa and Southeast Asia and covers the impact of environmental policy on mill design and procurement.