Articles on the cement industry from Global Cement

Belgium and the Netherlands are small and wealthy neighbouring countries located in the north of the European mainland. Their position, between the industrial powerhouse that is Germany and the North Sea, has made both countries important trading nations. Both countries also play major political roles in the region. Belgium is home to the European Parliament and European Commission, whereas the Netherlands houses the International Criminal Court.

A round-up of cement sector news fron Brazil.

Brazil is a massive country, covering almost half of the area of South America. Its industries are well developed and its large cement industry is still growing rapidly. Such growth looks set to continue and may accelerate ahead of substantial government infrastructure projects and work for the 2014 FIFA World Cup and 2016 Summer Oly1mpic Games.

As part of the company's sustainability ambitions, HeidelbergCement is aiming to increase its alternative fuel and raw material use and at the same time reduce its stack emissions. By viewing waste as a resource, HeidelbergCement is reducing the use of natural materials such as coal and limestone. As a consequence, CO₂ emissions are being reduced and an environmentally-sensitive and economically sensible waste removal service is provided to local citizens, industries and agricultural activities.

Iraq has a troubled past that has adversely affected its development for decades. The country now needs foreign investment to (re)develop its cities and wider infrastructure that have seen under-investment for years. Subject to an increasingly stable political situation, the country is likely to be a hot-bed of development, with oil reserves among the highest in the world. Now that the last US military personnel have left the country, has the time come for Iraq to fully exploit its development potential? The cement industry will have a major role to play if it does.