12 December 2024

Türkiye: Oyak Cement will invest US$4.59m to increase fuel supply capacity at its Adana plant. The producer will add 180,000t/yr of processing capacity to the existing 36,000t/yr refuse-derived fuel (RDF) production capacity, raising the total to 216,000t/yr. It will also establish a biomass facility with a capacity of 180,000t/yr. The RDF will be prepared at a disposal fuel facility for use in the cement plant.

South Korea: The cement industry in South Korea faces rising costs due to a rising won-to-dollar exchange rate following the attempted impeachment of the president, and transportation disruptions from a railroad strike. This is likely to lead to an increase in coal import costs, according to Chosun Biz news.

The ongoing strike by the National Railroad Workers Union has disrupted cement transportation, though stockpiles in metropolitan areas have mitigated immediate effects. However, prolonged strikes could force production halts.

Kim Seung-jun, researcher at capital market company Hana Securities, said “In the fourth quarter, cement production is expected to decrease by 14% compared to the same period in 2023.”

Niger: The Nigerien government has closed nine commercial establishments in Niamey for 15 days for failing to comply with new cement price caps set in October 2024, with any further infringements leading to a five-year administrative closure. The decision follows traders' continued sale of cement above the capped prices despite measures to lower the cost of living, according to the Journal du Niger newspaper.

Minister of Trade and Industry Asman Seydou said “We do not tolerate any breach of the law. Nigerien consumers have the right to benefit from the prices set by the government, and we will do everything in our power to ensure that they are respected.”

The Ministry of Commerce has introduced a reinforced control system, including a hotline for reporting violations. The government has also granted tax exemptions to cement importers and producers to support domestic production.

Zimbabwe: Villagers in Hurungwe District are protesting against a cement and power plant project by WHI-ZIM Construction Material Investments, alleging illegal land seizures, lack of compensation and environmental risks. WHI-ZIM, a joint venture between Lebanmon Investments and West International Holding, has pledged US$1bn for the project in Mashonaland West, promising 5000 jobs and local infrastructure upgrades. However, more than 80 families face displacement without clear relocation or compensation plans, according to Zim Live news. Residents accuse the company of forcibly depositing materials on communal land without legal permits. Chief Chanetsa of Hurungwe endorsed the project on 135 hectares, citing community benefits, including schools, clinics, boreholes and a 45km road.

He said “If there is any field affected within these 135 hectares, we have agreed with the company that it shall fully compensate the affected area.”

Environmentalists and villagers have warned of risks to Magunje Dam, the villagers’ water source located 1.4km from the plant. They allege irregularities in the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), which mandates compensation and relocation before work begins.

Residents claim WHI-ZIM ignored EIA conditions and began fencing communal land in July 2024.

A community activist said “The corruption here is blatant. People are being forced off their land while officials look the other way.”