
Displaying items by tag: India
India: JSW Cement has launched CHD Waterguard, a water-repellent slag-based cement designed for the high-moisture conditions of southern India. The product uses ‘Turbo Gel’ Technology, which the company says ensures a polymer-enriched ‘hydration matrix’ for improved workability and compressive strength.
CEO Nilesh Narwekar said “The tropical climate of Southern India, with its intense humidity, coastal salt air and heavy monsoons, compromises the longevity of concrete structures. With CHD Waterguard, we’re offering a specialised solution that actively protects homes from seepage, dampness, salt corrosion and moisture-related damage.”
Shree Cement commissions 6MW solar plant at Roorkee
16 July 2025India: Shree Cement has commissioned a 6MW solar power plant at its Roorkee unit in Uttarakhand, located next to its existing cement operations. This raises total solar capacity at the site to 7MW. The project cost US$1.8m, and brings the company’s total solar footprint to 294MW. It is expected to offset 6500t/yr of CO₂ emissions.
Local residents oppose JSW cement plant in Punjab
15 July 2025India: Villagers from Talwandi Aklia and Karamgarh Autanwali in Punjab's Mansa district have opposed the construction of a local cement plant during a hearing by the Punjab Pollution Control Board, according to The Times of India newspaper. Members of the pro-environment organisation Public Action Committee mobilised villagers to participate, where they objected against the plant on the grounds of environmental hazards. JSW Cement is proposing a 6Mt/yr cement plant with two units of 3Mt/yr, and a standalone grinding unit on 19 hectares of land. The project must obtain environmental clearance from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change before it can go ahead.
Public Action Committee member Karnail Singh said “Talwandi Morcha was formed to mobilise people against the proposed project, and a seminar was held at Talwandi Aklia village on 11 July 2025 to sensitise people about the environmental impact in the area and on the lives of the people with the setting up of a red category industry.”
India: Ambuja Cements subsidiary ACC has commissioned a 1.5Mt/yr brownfield grinding unit at its Sindri plant in Jharkhand. The project takes the total installed cement production capacity across Ambuja and ACC to 104.45Mt/yr.
Mali: Three Indian nationals working at the Diamond Cement plant in Kayes were kidnapped after armed assailants carried out a coordinated attack on the facility on 1 July 2025. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said that the incident was part of a broader wave of violence targeting multiple military and government sites across western and central Mali.
India’s embassy in the capital city of Bamako is reportedly coordinating with local authorities, law enforcement and plant management, and is in contact with the families of the victims. The MEA condemned the attack as a ‘deplorable act of violence’ and called on Malian authorities to ensure the hostages’ safe and swift release. It also urged Indian citizens in Mali to remain vigilant and exercise extreme caution.
India: UltraTech Cement has commissioned its second cement grinding mill at the Maihar unit in Madhya Pradesh, adding 1.8Mt/yr to its domestic production capacity. The first mill at the site began operations in March 2025.
The expansion raises UltraTech’s total grey cement capacity in India to 186.86Mt/yr and 192.26Mt/yr globally. The company said the move forms ‘part of its larger strategy.’
Nuvoco Vistas completes Vadraj Cement acquisition
24 June 2025India: Nuvoco Vistas has completed its acquisition of Vadraj Cement, upon the payment of US$20.9m to lenders led by Punjab National Bank and Union Bank of India. Gujarat-based Vadraj Cement operates a 6Mt/yr grinding unit in Surat. The acquisition increases Nuvoco Vistas' installed cement capacity by 24%, to 31Mt/yr.
Nuvoco Vistas undertook the acquisition through its wholly-owned subsidiary Vanya Corporation.
India: Adani Group subsidiary Ambuja Cements has commissioned a 2.4Mt/yr expansion to one of its West Bengal cement facilities. Reuters has reported that the move raises the producer's total installed capacity to 103Mt/yr.
India: Cement production rose by 7% year-on-year to 39.9Mt in April 2025, up from 37.4Mt in April 2024, according to data from eight core companies compiled by Thurro Research.
Despite the annual growth, April output fell 17% from March 2025’s peak of 47.9Mt due to a typical slowdown in construction activity following fiscal year-end completions.
Analysts attributed April 2025’s strong figure to residual fourth-quarter demand and pre-monsoon construction schedules. Output is expected to moderate during the monsoon, with a rebound forecast in the second half of the 2026 financial year.
India: The Karatoya cement plant in Rajganj, West Bengal, will suspend operations for two months following the termination of its commercial agreement with a business partner, according to The Siliguri Times. The closure affects around 80 permanent and temporary workers, who staged a protest outside the plant. The company had reportedly been producing cement under contract for a ‘reputed’ cement brand for several years. The plant initially operated independently before transitioning to contract production.
Tapan Dey, president of workers organisation INTTUC Jalpaiguri district, said that plant management must provide at least two months of financial support to affected workers and that the matter would be raised with the Jalpaiguri Deputy Labour Commissioner.