A dead‐time compensator robust H∞ state feedback controller (DTC‐H∞‐SFC) for the temperature control in a precalciner of a cement rotary kiln is designed. A mathematical model of the process under study with ARMAX structure was obtained. A dead‐time compensator robust H∞ state feedback controller is therefore designed. The results of the comparative evaluation of the DTC‐H∞‐SFC vs. DTC+PI designed controllers showed that the DTC‐H∞‐SFC gives improved performance of the control system.