17 October 2023

China: China National Building Material (CNBM) has warned of an anticipated year-on-year decline in its profit during the first nine months of 2023. Reuters has reported that the group forecast a drop of 70% from nine-month 2022 levels. Declining cement prices contributed to the anticipated drop.

US: The US Department of Energy has awarded C-Crete Technologies US$2m in funding. C-Crete Technologies is developing a method for using CO₂ captured at industrial sources or from the air as an ingredient in its cement-free concrete. The binder will produce almost no CO₂ and continue to absorb more CO₂ from the air over time. It offers scalability and cost-parity with conventional cement for concrete producers, according to the developer.

C-Crete Technologies president Rouzbeh Savary said “We are committed to crafting a cement-free, carbon-negative ready-mix concrete that doesn’t just mitigate CO₂ emissions but actively contributes to reversing climate change. Our aim is nothing short of revolutionising this hard-to-abate, carbon-heavy sector.”

UAE: Emirates Cement (Arkan) has appointed Oman and Etihad Rail Company (OER) to provide train transport for imported Omani limestone to its 1Mt/yr Al Ain cement plant.

Saeed Khalfan Al Ghafri, CEO of Emirates Cement (Arkan)’s parent company, Emirates Steel Arkan Group, said “Our collaboration with OER enhances our supply chain capabilities by leveraging the railway network that connects both countries. This agreement paves the way for integrated logistics solutions for transporting raw materials to and from our cement plant in Al Ain, boosting operational efficiencies and cost-effectiveness and reducing environmental impact.”

Kenya: East African Portland Cement Company (EAPCC) plans to sell land in Machakos County close to its Athi River plant, KBC News has reported. During the sale, offers submitted by people currently residing on the land will have priority. Demolition of illegal homes on the land is currently underway.

Spain: Cementos Molins inaugurated its new Euro6.6m headquarters in Sant Vicenç dels Horts, Catalonia. The facilities include a 3250m² solar power plant, which will supply 100% of the energy consumed in the building’s operations. The solar power plant consists of an array of 1455 photovoltaic panels. Cementos Molins says that it also used recycled materials where possible in building its new headquarters.

CEO Julio Rodríguez said “We celebrate 95 years of life and we feel proud to contribute to the development of the country and its social evolution. In our DNA is the will to collaborate with our environment.”

India: Grasim Industries has secured board approval for an issuance to raise up to US$480m. Local press has reported that the producer will use the proceeds for planned capital expenditure investments, including in the paints sector, as well as to repay existing borrowings and for ‘general corporate’ purposes.