31 May 2017
Jamaica: A strike has closed down the Caribbean Cement Company’s Rockfort plant. The industrial action also prevented locals accessing a ship-based book fair via the plant’s jetty, according to the Jamaica Observer newspaper. The cement company says it is in negotiations with the National Workers' Union (NWU) to reach a new collective labour agreement. It has also informed the Ministry of Labour and Social Security about the industrial action. Work at the site was expected to resume in late May 2017. Cemex took over Trinidad Cement, the majority shareholder of the Caribbean Cement Company in early 2017.
Myanmar: Residents have signed a petition asking the Karen National Union (KNU) to cancel the Min Lwin Mountain quarry and cement plant project. Local activists say that the plant could lead to environmental concerns and land disputes, according to local press. The Phyu Min Tun Company Limited started mineral tests at the site in 2014. However, the KNU suspended the project in May 2016 in response to protests and complaints lodged by the Min Lwin Area Natural Environment Protection Committee. Despite the cancellation representatives of the KNU have continued to discuss the project with local residents leading to renewed opposition.
Cameroon: Mira’s plans to build a 1Mt/yr cement plant have taken a step forward with an investment of US$55m. The investment is a continuation of an agreement signed with the government in late 2015, according to the African Press Agency. The project intends to use a 2013 private investment incentives law granting tax exemptions over a 5 – 10 year period to set up the plant.
Philippines: Cemex Philippines and CBMI Construction have signed a contract for the construction of a 1.5Mt/yr production line at the Solid Cement Plant in Rizal. The scope of the deal covers quarry crushing to package and dispatch, including engineering, equipment supply, civil work, erection, training and commissioning. CBMI say it is the first collaboration between the subsidiary of Sinoma and Cemex. No value for the order has been disclosed.