Limestone is primarily used as a raw material in the cement industry . It is the main source of calcium carbonate (CaCO\_3), which is a key component in the production of cement. In the manufacturing of cement, limestone is heated in a rotary kiln to produce lime (calcium oxide), which is then combined with other ingredients like clay to form cement.
Limestone is also used in other industries, such as:
- Plastic industry : Limestone may be used as a filler material, but it is not a major raw material.
- Automobile industry : Limestone is not a direct raw material in the automobile manufacturing process.
- Aluminium industry : The production of aluminium mainly involves bauxite , not limestone.
Thus, cement is the correct answer because limestone is a fundamental material in cement production.