15 May 2024

Canada: Lafarge Canada and Geocycle Canada have successfully completed a pilot at the Lafarge Brookfield cement plant in Nova Scotia to produce clinker using recycled minerals from discarded material. This pilot can potentially cut CO₂ emissions by 60% of clinker. The new clinker product will be used to produce recycled cement in 2024.

CEO of Lafarge Canada David Redfern said "Our teams have been tirelessly working towards finding solutions to decarbonise our business in Canada. This new recycled-minerals clinker combines operational excellence with circular construction, building new and green from what is considered old and waste. This is a great example of how far we can go - the local team at Brookfield is certainly setting the tone for the industry in Canada."

Since May 2023, Lafarge Canada, Geocycle Canada and the Holcim Group Innovation Centre have been collaborating on a 100% circular production of clinker at the Brookfield plant. The new production method involves substitution of raw materials with lower carbon options from discarded materials, as well as alternative fuels produced from these materials. The trial was performed in February 2024 and cement from this clinker will be produced in 2024 for further testing and development of the technology.

Brazil: Votorantim Cimentos reported a significant decrease in net profit to US$3.3m in the first quarter of 2024, down from US$15.2m in the same period last year. Despite a 1% increase in cement sales volume to 8.1Mt, net revenue fell by 6% to US$1bn, primarily attributed to the inflation of the Brazilian real. The company's adjusted earnings before inflation, taxation, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) remained stable at US$149m.

In Brazil, revenue stayed level at US$585m, though EBITDA dropped by 6%. North American operations saw a 7% decline in revenue, impacted by lower sales volumes and adverse exchange rates, with EBITDA at US$3.3m, improving from a US$9.2m loss in the first quarter of 2023.

US: Cemex has entered an off-site renewable energy agreement for its Clinchfield Cement Plant with Georgia Power, securing about 25% of its power from solar facilities throughout the state, starting in 2025. The plant will offset roughly 10,000t/yr of indirect CO₂ emissions, contributing to a 58% reduction target in Scope 2 GHG emissions from its 2020 levels by 2030.

Senior Vice President of Cemex US Ernesto Felix said "Embracing solar power not only accelerates our own aggressive sustainability goals but also sets a powerful example for the entire industry. By integrating renewable energy solutions through Georgia Power, Cemex paves the way for a greener, more resilient future for generations to come."

India: Shree Cement recorded a net profit of US$80m for the quarter ending 31 March 2024, up by 21% year-on-year from US$65m. The company's net revenue also rose by 7% to US$610m during the same period, compared with US$573m in 2023. Operating expenses decreased by 3% year-on-year to US$472m.