
Displaying items by tag: Public
Vietnam government issues directive over management of state assets in the construction industry
28 July 2023Vietnam: The government has directed state-owned businesses, including Vietnam Cement Industry Corporation (Vicem), to take measures to mitigate potential losses of state assets in construction. The Vietnam Investment Review newspaper has reported that a recent audit concluded that companies' equitisation processes created scope for such losses within the sector.
Australian government to reduce industrial emissions limits
20 January 2023Australia: The government plans to reform its CO2 emissions Safeguard Mechanism in line with its stated goal of net zero CO2 emissions by 2050. Under the latest proposals, 215 industrial plants, including Australia's cement plants, will have to reduce their CO2 emissions by 4.9% year-on-year every year until 2030. The Australian newspaper has reported that the government is currently receiving submissions on the proposed reform as part of its consultation process, which will end on 24 February 2023.
The Business Council of Australia and the Australian Industry Group have encouraged the government to introduce an adjustment mechanism for imports, based on the EU's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), in conjunction with any tightening of the Safeguard Mechanism.
Cornwall Coal to plans new coal mine in Tasmania
05 January 2023Australia: 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.
Police and protestors clash at ACC Masturi cement plant hearing
04 November 2022India: A violent disturbance brought an end to a public hearing over ACC's plans to establish a new integrated cement plant in Masturi, Chhattisgarh, on 3 November 2022. Police reportedly used 'mild force' to subdue protestors who claimed that ACC has acted illegally. The Free Press Journal has reported that land recorded by ACC as 'barren' in document submissions is allegedly used by residents for cultivation of rice and other crops.
Limestone mining has already commenced at the Masturi site.
Cemex USA loses Dowe Flats quarry dispute
30 September 2022US: The Board of County Commissioners of Boulder, Colorado, has denied Cemex USA’s application for a 15-year extension to its Dowe Flats quarry mining licence, following its expiry on 30 September 2022. Commissioner Claire Levy cited dust, traffic, noise and disturbances to wildlife as reasons behind the decision.
Cemex USA’s nearby Lyons cement plant has previously relied on the quarry for the supply of 760,000t/yr of limestone.
St Mary’s Cement obtains extension for McInnis cement plant dust emissions compliance order
21 July 2022Canada: The Canadian government’s Environment and Climate Change department has granted an extension to St Mary’s Cement to an order regarding alleged sticky dust emissions from its McInnis cement plant. The Journal de Québec newspaper has reported that the producer now has until 8 August 2022 to submit its observations on the situation. Environment and Climate Change Canada has identified 12 different equipment failures as contributors to the alleged illegal emissions. On 20 July 2022, it had received a total of 80 reports from the public about the situation.
Nevada Department of Transportation approves Portland limestone cement for road projects
28 June 2022US: The Nevada Department of Transportation has approved the use of Portland limestone cement (PLC) for road construction and repairs. The department expects the move to reduce CO2 emissions by 4000t/yr. It uses 45,000t/yr of cement in its projects. Local press has reported that transport contributed 35% of Nevada’s CO2 emissions in 2022, making it the largest single source.
W&P Zement offers virtual plant tours
20 January 2022Austria: W&P cement has launched digital tours of its Peggau, Styria, and Weitersdorf, Carinthia, cement plants using 3D photo technology. Virtual guests can access areas which are closed off during conventional tours, while integrated information points provide them with detailed knowledge. W&P Zement also offers a digital tour of one of its ready-mixed concrete plants in Gratkorn, Styria.
Sales Director Peter Ramskogler said “It was important to us to make our production facilities accessible to everyone. Especially in times of a pandemic, the virtual factory brings even more advantages. In this way, we can at least continue to offer digital tours for schools and universities - regardless of current safety regulations."
Tangshan Jidong Cement to issue US$155m-worth of bonds
08 October 2021China: Tangshan Jidong Cement has announced plans to issue a tranche of bonds with a total value of not more than US$155m. Reuters News has reported that the issuance is the second by the company.
Cemex resumes Colombian production
14 April 2020Colombia: Mexico-based Cemex has announced the resumption of operations at its 2.8Mt/yr Caracolito plant in Ibagué, Tolima Department on 13 April 2020. Noticias Financieras News has reported that Cemex Colombia will resume the supply of its products to ‘infrastructure and public works that cannot be suspended, as well as for emergency care projects and road projects.
Cemex will have to wait for the Colombian government to lift its coronavirus lockdown to restart supplies to customers.