Abstract: A novel apparatus and process for producing cement slurry on a batch basis is disclosed. During the charging of a slurry batcher with water and cement, the cement dust so produced is captured and added back to the slurry being batched in order to minimize health and environmental hazards created by the cement dust. This is achieved by passing or venting entrapped air and dust in the batcher through air vent and cement dust collection means which in one embodiment comprises a water reservoir through which the air and dust passes. Dust is captured by the reservoir water and the reservoir water then discharged into the batcher so as to become part of the slurry batch with known and pre-determined amounts of water and cement in the slurry.