This invention provides methods for reducing emissions of mercury from a cement plant comprising at least a kiln (6), a particulate collection device (10), collected particulates, an exhaust gas stream (8b), a heater, and a mercury scrubber, wherein the heater and mercury scrubber are upstream from the kiln. The methods comprise directing the collected particulates through the heater, to form volatilized mercury species from the collected particulates; directing the collected particulates from the heater downstream toward the kiln; and directing the volatilized mercury species to the mercury scrubber. The exhaust gas stream (8c) exits the particulate collection device and is not directed into the heater. Optional steps include injecting a mercury sorbent at one or more points between the kiln and the particulate collection device.