30 November 2020

Ethiopia: Denmark-based FLSmidth says that its contract with Abay Industrial Development Share Company for engineering, procurement and supervision on the upcoming Dejen cement plant is now effective. The 5000t/day plant will cost US$120m and create new 300 jobs, according to the supplier. It said that the plant will “play an important role for the development of local infrastructure.”

The supplier is responsible for design and engineering, full equipment supply, automation systems, installation and commissioning, as well as training and extended supervision. Key deliveries are due to begin in late 2021.

FLSmidth president Carsten Riisberg Lund said, “We are happy to see the contract now in effect. Following months of challenging working conditions on sites around the world, we are eager to get started on the project. This contract once again underlines our position as the preferred supplier of sustainable and productivity-enhancing solutions to the global cement industry."

Indonesia: Semen Indonesia has signed a memorandum of understanding with rail freight company Kereta Api Indonesia (KAI). Indonesia Government News has reported that the memorandum covers a planned increase in cooperation on rail-based transportation and medium and long-term land leases, the conduct of joint studies into railways and infrastructure and the development of other forms of potential cooperation.

President director Hendi Prio Santoso said, “This cooperation is a synergy to complement each other and provide the best results for both parties. Through the synergy that exists today, it is hoped that it can be more optimal in taking advantage of every opportunity, so that it can further contribute to the company, Badan Usaha Milik Negara (BUMN) and the Indonesian nation.” He added, “Today is the first step in a joint commitment. Hopefully, this cooperation can run smoothly and in accordance with our goals, expectations and planned target time.”

Kenya: East African Portland Cement Company (EAPCC) has threatened “recovery proceedings” in relation to the alleged unlawful extraction of building materials on the producer’s land in Mavoko County by China Road and Bridges Corporation (CRBC). EAPCC says that it has twice contacted the construction company, which is engaged in building the Nairobi Expressway toll road, to order it to desist, according to the Business Daily newspaper.

Acting managing director Stephen Nthei said, “The company cannot violate the country’s laws when constructing a commercial road. Any mining activities will devalue our land when we are eyeing prospective buyers. We might be forced to institute recovery proceedings against this company.”

The cement producer is seeking a buyer for the parcels of land, which are also home to illegal squatters.

Uzbekistan: TThe Ministry of Energy says that it has not shut off the electricity supply to various cement plants, as alleged within private messaging channels. It stated the example of the Okhangaran cement plant, which, during the alleged shutdown, was received a recorded 605,000kWh of power on 24 November 2020, up by 12% from its average supply of 540,000kWh/day.

The ministry said, “Anyone who disseminates any information to a specific audience needs to clearly understand their responsibility.”

Pakistan: Pioneer Cement has begun power generation at its upgraded 24MW coal-fired power plant. Link News has reported that the plant previously had a power generation capacity of 12MW.