10 January 2023

Belgium: Heidelberg Materials has announced an upcoming project called Anthemis at its subsidiary CBR's Antoing cement plant in Hainaut. The project will implement Heidelberg Material's OxyCal model, which combines Oxyfuel and amine-based carbon capture technology. When operational, the system will capture 800,000t/yr of CO₂, reducing the Antoing cement plant's CO₂ footprint by 97%.

Heidelberg Materials chair Dominik von Achten said “We are excited to add yet another pioneering technology to our CCUS project portfolio, and to build on what we have already achieved in terms of research and innovation. From the Antoing plant alone, we will be able to offer more than 15Mt of carbon-free cement to the construction market during the first 10 years of operation." Von Achten concluded "This is a key contribution to Belgium’s transition to net zero greenhouse gas emissions.”

China: BBMG recorded a 52-59% year-on-year drop in its net profit to US$177 - 207m, Reuters has reported. The producer attributed the decline to a drop in cement sales, alongside a rise in the cost of raw materials.

Australia: First Graphene has partnered with Suvo Strategic Minerals to develop graphene-enhanced metakaolin for use in cement and concrete production. Metakaolin is a pozzolanic material derived from kaolinite clay. The partners believe that the technology has commercial potential to improve concrete performance and reduce CO₂ emissions.

China: Tangshang Jidong Cement expects to record a 46-52% year-on-year drop in its full-year net profit in 2022. Reuters has reported that the producer forecasts a profit of US$198-223m throughout the year, compared to US$413m in 2021.

Italy: Holcim announced its acquisition of Nicem, Italy's ground calcium carbonate market leader. The group said that it plans to use Nicem's ground calcium carbonate as raw material in production of its ECOPact and ECOPlanet reduced-CO₂ cement and concrete range.

Holcim's Europe regional head Miljan Gutovic said “Nicem complements our existing operations perfectly and allows us to further leverage our expertise in green formulation, opening a new source of alternative materials to decarbonise our ready-mix concrete. I look forward to welcoming the employees of Nicem to the Holcim family, whose valuable expertise will help us accelerate green growth.”

China: China Tianrui Group Cement settled a term loan facility on 9 January 2023. Reuters has reported the value of the facility as US$30m.

Argentina: Portland Cement Manufacturers Association (AFCP) members sold of cement sold 13Mt of cement in 2022, up by 7% year-on-year. Local press reported that sales volumes were at their highest since 2012. Exports dropped by 24% year-on-year to 83,300t, from 115,000t.

Dominican Republic: The Dominican Association of Portland Cement Producers (ADOCEM) has declared 2023 a year of strength in the cement industry, as it celebrates the 75-year anniversary of the start of cement production in the country. CNIN News has reported that the Dominican Republic's cement industry contributed US$764m/yr to the national economy, 0.8% of gross domestic product (GDP).

ADOCEM president Félix González said “The cement industry has contributed decisively to our national stability, not only through quality jobs and contributions to the treasury, but also by successfully meeting local demand and contributing to international exports, despite cost-related challenges."