September 2024
LafargeHolcim Egypt's ECOPlanet green cement reduces CO2 emissions from Alamein Downtown Towers project 09 January 2023
Egypt: LafargeHolcim Egypt supplied 8200t of its ECOPlanet reduced-CO2 cement for construction of Alamein Downtown Towers in Alamein City. The producer said that the cement reduced the project's carbon footprint by 45% compared to ordinary Portland cement (OPC). The government contracted China-based China State Construction Engineering Corporation for construction of the five-tower development. Three of the buildings will be residential, while the remaining two will house business and events facilities.
India: The state of Himachal Pradesh will lose US$11.7m-worth of anticipated tax revenues in the first month of Adani Cement’s on-going closure of its Darlaghat and Gagal cement plants. In previous months, the 1.6Mt/yr Darlaghat cement plant paid US$3.29m/month in goods and services taxes, US$1.75m/month in electricity duties, US$1.45m/month in value-added tax (VAT) on diesel, US$640,000/month in mining royalties and US$363,000/month in goods carried by road and additional goods taxes. Meanwhile, the 4.4Mt/yr Gagal cement plant paid US$1.9m/month in goods and services taxes and mining royalties, US$1.57m/month in VAT on diesel, US$1.47m/month in electricity duties and US$701,000/month in goods carried by road and additional goods taxes.
The Tribune India newspaper has reported that, despite attending several rounds of talks with the state administration, Adani Cement has yet to signal any intention to resume operations at the plants. Both facilities have been closed since 15 December 2022.
Science-Based Targets Initiative validates Cementos Argos’ emissions reduction targets 06 January 2023
Colombia: The Science-Based Targets Initiative (SBTi) has validated Grupo Argos Subsidiary Cementos Argos’ CO2 emissions reduction goals. Cementos Argos aims to reduce its Scope 1 and Scope 2 CO2 emissions in line with a well-below 2°C climate change scenario by 2030. Its strategy includes increasing co-processing of alternative fuel (AF), reducing its cement’s clinker factor, optimising its heat and electricity consumption, investing in cleaner technologies, increasing the share of renewable power it uses and diversifying its product range to include more low-carbon products.
Belarus: The Belarusian government has granted reimbursement of cement producers’ interest payments on loans from state-owned Belarusbank and Belarus Development Bank. PrimePress News has reported that banks will fund the payments from the 2023 national budget.
Belarusian Cement Plant will receive US$47.1m-worth of reimbursement for interest payments on three loans from Belarusbank worth US$42.8m, granted between 2009 and 2011. Krichevtsementnoshifer will receive reimbursement of US$137m on two loans from Belarusbank worth US$116m, granted in 2012. Krasnoselskstroymaterialy will receive reimbursement of US$1.1m on a loan worth US$211,000 from Belarus Development Bank. Additionally, it will receive reimbursement of US$72.1m for five loans worth US$34.9m from Belarusbank in 2009 – 2012.
Cemex renews Finacity receivables securitisation programme 06 January 2023
Mexico: Cemex has extended its US$93.1m receivable securitisation programme with US-based Finacity. Contify Banking News has reported that Finacity will administrate the programme on Cemex’s behalf until mid-2025.
Philippines: Republic Cement has won seven awards at the Presidential Mineral Industry Awards 2023. The producer’s Bulacan cement plant won the Platinum Achievement Award, while its Batangas, Iligan and Teresa plants all claimed Quarry Operations (Non-Metallic) Awards. The Bulacan plant also won the Best Forest Mining Award in the Non-Metallic category, in which the Iligan plant was second runner-up. Lastly, Bulacan cement plant won the Safest Mine (Non-Metallic) Award.
Republic Cement’s CEO Roman Menz said "Throughout our 67 years of service towards building the nation, Republic Cement has always been deeply and wholly committed to responsible mining. It is through responsible mining and our daily commitment to safety and sustainability that we are able to support robust communities and a thriving environment, towards a greener and stronger republic."
SONACIM orders generator part from Chinese supplier 05 January 2023
Chad: Société National de Cimenterie (SONACIM) has placed an order with a China-based machine parts supplier for a part for its Baoré grinding plant’s generator. Alwihda News has reported that previously ordered the part from a supplier based in Egypt, which since failed to make the delivery. Cement production has been suspended at the plant since early July 2022, pending delivery of the missing part.
SONACIM’s deputy director general Koye Ndaye Benoît said “As soon as the part arrives, production will be restarted.”
430 people are employed in SONACIM’s operations in Chad.
Pakistani cement despatches drop as exports nearly halve in first half of 2023 financial year 05 January 2023
Pakistan: All Pakistan Cement Manufacturers Association (APCMA) members despatched 21.8Mt of cement during the six-month period up to 31 December 2022, the first half of Pakistan’s 2023 financial year. The figure corresponds to a decline of 21% year-on-year from 27.5Mt during the first half of the 2022 financial year. Producers exported 1.73Mt of cement, down by 49% from 3.39Mt in the first half of the 2022 financial year.
The drop in sales was most pronounced in Southern Pakistan, where producers despatched 4.66Mt of cement, down by 31% year-on-year from 6.75Mt. Meanwhile, Northern Pakistani producers despatched 17.1Mt of cement, down by 17% from 20.7Mt.
An APCMA spokesperson said “The current economic turmoil has badly impacted on cement consumption. Inflation has played havoc with the pockets of consumers. New construction projects, including housing, are few in number, while routine maintenance of residential buildings has been postponed for better times.” They added “The Russia-Ukraine war has badly impacted cement exports too.”
Holcim acquires Chrono Chape 05 January 2023
France: Switzerland-based Holcim has acquired self-levelling screed producer Chrono Chape. Chrono Chape’s screeds create even foundations for builders to lay floors on. It serves its customers in France with a fleet of batching trucks.
Holcim’s Europe region head Miljan Gutovic said “I am excited to acquire Chrono Chape, as another step in advancing our Strategy 2025 – Accelerating Green Growth. With this operation, we will expand our range of services and geographic footprint in France. Building on the entrepreneurial vision and legacy of the Dupuy family, I look forward to investing in this business’ next era of growth and warmly welcoming their employees into the Holcim family.”
Cornwall Coal to plans new coal mine in Tasmania 05 January 2023
Australia: The Australian government’s Department of Climate Change is receiving public comments on Cement Australia subsidiary Cornwall Coal’s plans to open a new coal mine in Tasmania’s Fingal Valley, near St Mary’s. Local press has reported that the proposed site will operate across three open pits, with a total area of 26ha. The mine will replace the company’s nearby Cullenswood coal mine when it runs out of coal later in 2023, and will operate until 2026 or 2027. Cornwall Coal’s Tasmanian operations currently supply coal for Cement Australia’s Railton cement plant, as well as other local industrial sites.
Under Cornwall Coal’s proposals, the company will build travel culverts for local wildlife, and assist in relocating animals currently occupying the site. Tasmanian devils and two species of quoll – all endangered – live on the land in question.
Mick Tucker, head of Break O’Day Municipality Council, said that the municipality currently depends on Cornwall Coal’s operations for 60 – 80 jobs. He said that the company’s plans have strong support in the local community.