Displaying items by tag: development

Colombia: Dow Jones has named Grupo Argos in its Sustainability Index 2021, the company’s ninth time appearing in the ranking. It achieved its highest ratings in materiality, risk management, environmental reporting, climate change strategy, social reporting and human rights. The group said that the listing constitutes its recognition as the most sustainable cement company in the world. Its sustainable initiatives include offering collection of its used cement bags, supplying all the electricity for its Colombian operations from renewable sources and currently having three credit facilities linked to environmental, social and governance indicators.

Legal and sustainability vice-president Maria Isabel Echeverri said “At Argos, we are greatly satisfied with this result which places us as a world benchmark in sustainability and reassures our commitment to closing gaps and implementing best practices in social, environmental, financial and corporate governance matters. This drives us to continue moving forward in creating social value to build the dreams of housing and infrastructure for millions of people.”

Nigeria: Mangal Industries has signed a contract with China-based Sinoma International Engineering for the delivery of a 3Mt/yr new integrated cement plant in the northern state of Kogi. The Daily Independent newspaper has reported that the plant will cost US$600m and generate ‘thousands’ of jobs when commissioned in early 2024. Sinoma International Engineering will also build a dedicated 50MW power plant for the plant.

Mangal Industries’ chair Alhaji Dahiru Mangal said “This investment is part of an ambitious investment programme under implementation by Mangal Industries. The factory will rely on the best available technology for cement production in line with highest environmental standards.” He added “Mangal is investing strategically in the Nigerian cement industry, to bridge the huge infrastructure and housing deficit in the largest economy of the region. This investment reinforces Mangal’s commitment to Nigeria’s infrastructural and economic development, and reflects its confidence in the favourable outlook of the economy in the country and the region.”

Trinidad & Tobago: Trinidad Cement has launched production of its new reduced-CO2 cement, called ECO, at its Claxton Bay cement plant. Trinidad & Tobago Government News has reported that the company invested US$73,800 in the development of the product.

Mozambique: West China Cement has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Mozambique government for four upcoming ‘industrial investment and development’ projects including a cement plant worth a total of US$800m. Local press has reported that another of the projects will be the construction of a power plant.

President Zhang Jimin said Zhang thanked the government for its past support of subsidiary Dugong Cimentos. He added “Due to this support we have, we are confident to continue the implementation of the development projects in Mozambique, as the government shows its concern to improve the investment conditions and environment.”

Australia: Researchers from Murdoch University in Western Australia have developed a cement-free concrete called Colliecrete. ABC News has reported that the concrete comprises of 80 – 90% fly ash. Other ingredients are bauxite residue and recycled aggregates. Developer Ramon Skane said that customers can make Colliecrete ‘anywhere, at room temperature.’

Guatemala: Cemex Latam Holdings plans to invest US$25m in installing a new mill at its 500,000t/yr Guatemala City grinding plant. The company says that the mill will increase the plant’s capacity by 80% to 900,000t/yr.

Cemex South America, Central America and Caribbean president Jesus Gonzalez said "This investment reinforces Cemex's commitment to Guatemala's development and reflects our confidence in the favourable outlook of the economy in the country and the region." Gonzalez added “We are excited about expanding our offer of products and solutions to the market which contribute to sustainable construction, like Vertua, our family of net-zero and low carbon products."

Libya: Ahmed Abuhisa, the Minister of Industry and Minerals, has laid the foundation stone for a new cement plant at Al-Shahba. Al-Shahba Cement and National Mining Corporation have signed a deal to build the 1Mt/yr plant in Cyrenaica region, according to the Libya Herald newspaper. The project is part of the ministry’s plan to localise industry in the country, provide job opportunities for young people and drive development. Al-Shahba, which is 100km from the city of Tobruk, is without paved roads and suffers from water scarcity, limited electricity access and the loss of public services.

Pakistan: The All Pakistan Cement Manufacturers Association (APCMA) has received a request from the Pakistan government to lower cement prices. The International News newspaper has reported that Finance and Revenue Minister Shaukat Tarin spoke with APCMA representatives about trends in cement pricing in the three years prior to August 2021 and the importance of cement in stimulating economic growth. Tarin encouraged the establishment of a consultative session between the association and relevant stakeholders, with the task of proposing a sustainable pricing mechanism.

El Salvador: LafargeHolcim subsidiary Holcim El Salvador has announced an alteration to the composition of its flagship product, Cuscatlán cement, developed in laboratories in France and Mexico. Strategic marketing manager Amalia Palacios said, “The new formula offers the end user higher quality and less waste, that is to say a yield of around 20% more for the same price, so that we are improving quality without an impact on the customer's pocket."

Australia: Germany-based Siemens subsidiary Flender has published plans for a drives production plant in the Tonkin Highway Industrial Estate, West Australia. The plant will serve the gear needs of the energy, minerals and cement industries. The unit is equipped with a 1.5MW test bench capable of testing drive systems of up to 6.6kV. Flender Australia chief executive officer (CEO) and managing director Kareem Emara said, “Western Australia has been an excellent market for us in the recent years. It’s only natural for us to reinvest in this key market and be where our customers are to offer them the combined brains trust of over 50 facilities worldwide through this new state-of-the-art centre.”