25 September 2024
Geocycle and Lafarge Canada partner for low-carbon fuel facility at Brookfield plant 25 September 2024
Canada: Geocycle and Lafarge Canada, together with the Department of Natural Resources Canada, have opened a new low-carbon fuel plant at the Lafarge Canada Brookfield cement plant in Nova Scotia. The facility, which cost over US$7.5m and received US$2.6m in federal funding, will convert 14,000t/yr of discarded materials headed for landfill into low-carbon fuels, reducing the plant's reliance on fossil fuels and its carbon emissions by over 12,000t/yr. The materials to be repurposed include plastic and construction and demolition materials. The cement created at the facility will be used to make concrete for construction projects in the local area and is expected to create jobs for the local community.
President and CEO of Lafarge Canada (East) David Redfern said "Cement is a vital component of infrastructure projects that contribute to economic growth. By implementing sustainable and innovative solutions to reduce our environmental impact, we're serving the needs of our customers and the communities in which we operate both now and in the future. Our continued collaboration with Geocycle Canada reinforces our commitment to invest and advance circular construction in Canada."
Head of Geocycle North America Sophie Wu said "At Geocycle, our solutions are circular by design. We are happy to take another significant step in our ongoing partnership with Lafarge Canada. This is a great example of our work toward the decarbonisation of the construction industry in Canada."
Votorantim Cimentos and Enagás collaborate on carbon capture projects 25 September 2024
Spain: Votorantim Cimentos and gas company Enagás have signed an agreement to jointly develop projects for the sustainable management of CO₂. Votorantim Cimentos will focus on CO₂ capture technology at its cement plants, while Enagás will explore solutions for the transport, liquefaction, storage and loading of CO₂ at its regasification terminals. The partnership also includes potential joint applications for European funding to further these initiatives.
Enagás CEO Arturo Gonzalo said "Enagás and Votorantim Cimentos have clear synergies to jointly advance their commitments to reduce their carbon footprint and, based on the knowledge of their areas of activity, they have the opportunity to take the initiative to develop more effective sustainable CO₂ management technologies, which will be key to achieving the decarbonisation objectives of Spain and Europe.”
Holcim Spain absorbs subsidiary Cementos Esfera 25 September 2024
Spain: Holcim Spain has absorbed its subsidiary, Cementos Esfera, which distributes cement from a facility in the port of Tarragona. The site includes 32,467m² of covered space on a 54,113m² plot, with a production capacity of 500,000t/yr and silos for storing 20,000t of product. Since 2013, the industry has functioned primarily as a cement distribution centre and concrete producer, sourcing supplies from Holcim's integrated plants in Sagunto and Montcada y Reixach.
Caribbean Cement Company resumes full production 25 September 2024
Jamaica: Caribbean Cement Company has returned to full production following the completion of its annual maintenance programme, reports Radio Jamaica News. The company was experiencing challenges meeting the demand for cement in the country due to the scheduled annual maintenance of its kiln. However, Caribbean Cement says that since production restarted, it has produced over 4000t/day through its 24-hour operation.
Cement Hranice reports increase in net profit 25 September 2024
Czech Republic: According to its annual report, Cement Hranice recorded a 29% year-on-year increase in net profit to US$38.5m in 2023, up from US$29.8m in 2022. Sales rose by 5.5% to US$104.1m, despite a reduction in cement sales volumes. The company managed to increase revenues through higher product prices, necessitated by rising energy costs, according to chair of the board Roman Michalčík.