14 March 2022

Saudi Arabia: Eastern Province Cement recorded a 2% year-on-year sales drop in 2021. Its net profit was US$54m, down by 7% year-on-year. Arab News has reported that the company recorded a lower income from investments and higher losses from asset write-offs compared to 2020 levels.

Pakistan: Cement plants in North Pakistan are using 70% Afghan coal in their fuel mix, and may increase the figure to 90%. Afghan coal costs US$170 – 200/t, in line with local Pakistani coal prices. The News International has reported that fossil fuel supply disruptions ensuing from the on-going war in Ukraine have increased global coal prices. Additionally, Indonesian coal is subject to a ban on exports, while bad rains have disturbed Australian coal production. On 14 March 2022, the price of South African coal exported from Richard Bay, Umhlathuze Municipality, was US$460/t, up by 95% month-on-month from US$236/t on 10 February 2022. South Africa has previously been a major source of coal for Northern Pakistani cement production. Cement producers in the region have on average 4 – 5 months’ supply of coal in inventory.

Mexican: Cooperativa La Cruz Azul has relocated back to its historic head office in Mexico City, according to the El Universal newspaper. The producer says that the move is another step forward in its restoration of normality and its institutional refoundation after ‘three decades of struggle.’

Philippines: The government’s Department of Environment and Natural Resources – Environmental Management Bureau has called on cement producers to maximise their use of waste plastic as a raw material in cement production. Philippines News Agency has reported that bureau director William Cuñado estimated that the measures would bring about a 40 – 60% drop in national plastic waste generation. He said that local government has a part to play in arranging the requisite municipal solid waste (MSW) practices.

India: A gas pipeline explosion at JP Cement’s Naubasta cement plant in Madhya Pradesh’s Rewa district reportedly injured three workers in February 2022. India Today News has reported that the incident resulted in the hospitalisation of all three workers. 15 – 20 local people subsequently attacked the plant on 11 March 2022, where they threw sticks and stones at staff and vandalised equipment. A spokesperson for the rioters accused the company of suppressing news of the pipeline disaster.