Tamil Nadu: Clay Fired Brick Making Clusters

Introduction

The state of Tamil Nadu is among the leading brick producing states in Southern part of the country. The brick kilns in the state uses both manual as well as mechanised green brick molding process. Generally clay is transported from far-off distances and mixed at site for manufacturing bricks. The main brick firing technologies used in the state are Clamp kilns and Bull’s trench kiln (BTK). The major product of brick kiln is solid bricks. In the southern part of the state concrete blocks are steadily gaining popularity.

Products manufactured

Solid bricks

Number of Brick Kilns

66000

Main fuels

Biomass, Coal

Annual Production

12 billion

Total energy consumption (toe)

1.5 million toe (annual)

Leading industry association(s)

• Tamil Nadu Chamber of Brick Manufacturers Association
• All India Brick and Tiles Manufacturers Federation (AIBTMF), New Delhi

Source: TERI's interventions in brick sector under projects supported by Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), Department for International Development (DFID).