France: French press has reported that Vicat, the last remaining cement producer in French hands, has accumulated a large stockpile of EU Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) credits, sufficient to last it until 2030. It says that this makes it unique among cement producers covered by the scheme. It has never sold any of the credits that it was over-allocated in the first three stages of the ETS. It is thought that this will put it at a competitive advantage from the start of stage 4 in January 2021, when free allowances for the sector will become significantly scarcer.

Vicat has a stock of credits that represent 5Mt of CO₂, valued at Euro120m at the current market price. "It covers our activity in France and Switzerland and we will still be in a surplus position in 2030. We are entering the next European regulatory phase in a good condition," said CEO Guy Sidos.

Vicat is keen to point out that this does not mean it is complacent or will pollute at all costs. "At the end of 2019, we reduced our CO₂ emissions by 15% compared to 1990. The objective is a further decrease of 13% between today and 2030," explained Sidos.

Vietnam: Cement and clinker production in Vietnam is expected to rise by 4-5% to 101-103Mt in 2020, according to the Ministry of Construction. This includes domestic consumption of 69-70Mt and exports of 32-34Mt.

Chairman of the Vietnam Cement Association Nguyen Quang Cung said that cement demand has expanded at higher pace compared to GDP growth in previous years. He added that cement producers will have to face major challenges in 2020, with rising input costs, environmental and technological issues, as well as increasing wage costs.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Construction said that Vietnamese cement exporters would face fierce competition as China and Thailand increase exports. It recommended that domestic firms study market trends to adjust their production plans, stabilise cement prices and map out long-term business strategies.

The ministry has asked the Ministry of Industry and Trade to direct the Vietnam National Coal-Mineral Industries Holding Corporation Limited (Vinacomin) to provide sufficient coal, and the Vietnam Electricity to ensure adequate power for cement production activities.

India: JSW Cement is planning to expand the cement capacity of its plant in Bilakalagudur, Kurnool District, Andhra Pradesh from 4.8Mt/yr to 6.0Mt/yr, at a cost of approximately US$59m. The project will involve expansion of clinker capacity from 2.5Mt/yr to 3.4Mt/yr and the construction of an 18MW captive coal-fired power plant. The work on the project is expected to commence by September 2020.

Colombia: Cementos Argos’ Rio Claro cement plant has completed construction of a new 0.45Mt/yr production line for calcined clays, an artificial pozzolan. This innovation makes the cement less environmentally damaging, as the production process’ CO2 emissions are 38% lower, with energy consumption 30% lower than ordinary Portland cement.

“With this project we are leading the industry and sowing the seeds of the Argos of the future, which today starts a new production line at Rio Claro,” said Juan Esteban Calle, President of Cementos Argos. “It has gigantic growth potential in all geographies, not only from the point of view of the product, but because it is a concrete action for the sustainability of our industry. In our commitment to climate change, this project clearly makes us very proud.”

Oman: Oman Environmental Services Holding Company (Be'ah) has signed an agreement with Oman Cement Company, in which Be'ah will supply expired tyres to the cement producer for use as an alternative fuel.

The agreement was signed by Eng Tariq bin Ali al Amri, CEO of Be'ah, and Eng Salem bin Abdullah al Hajri, CEO of Oman Cement Company. Eng Hajri reported that the agreement will contribute to the national economy, diverting 30,000t of waste tyres from landfill.

Morocco: Bedeschi has reported that erection works are underway at a project it is carrying out for LafargeHolcim in Morocco. Following an intense civil work phase, during which the single trusses were preassembled and equipped with the mechanical comports, the 4.3km-long belt conveyor is taking shape. The site team is taking full advantage of Trimble Connect to facilitate the erection works.

The conveyor, which trusses up to 5t completely assembled at ground, has been erected on a mountain using a suspended cableway. The system, installed and operated by Bedeschi team with its partner SEIK, allowed fast-track operations with high degree of safety and quality.

El Salvador: Guatemala-based Cemento Regional has announced the completion of its first production plant in El Salvador. The works, which began in September 2019, involved an investment of US$16m. The new plant has a capacity of 0.12Mt/yr, which Cemento Regional anticipates will secure it around 10% of the local market. It expects to begin dispatches in the second half of February 2020.

Azerbaijan: Cement production in Azerbaijan came to 3.3Mt in 2019, a decline of 1.4% compared to 2018. The volume of construction lime made was 43,100t, an increase of 39.7% year-on-year, while the production of building blocks and bricks made of cement, artificial stone or concrete rose by 29.6% to 83,100t.

India: Shree Cement posted a 2.9% increase in its standalone net profit to US$43.4m in the quarter that ended on 31 December 2019, from US$42.2m a year earlier. Its revenue rose to US$399m from US$389m. The company reported that its cement sales rose by 6% to 6.0Mt for the quarter, from 5.6Mt in the corresponding quarter of the previous year.

France: Vicat’s sales were reduced in 2019 by poor markets in Turkey and, to a lesser extent, Switzerland and Egypt. Its sales fell by 1% year-on-year to Euro2.74bn in 2019 from Euro2.58bn at constant scope and exchange rates. Its cement sales volumes dropped by 2% to 22.4Mt from 22.8Mt but its concrete volumes grew by 1.1% to 9.1Mm³ from 9.0Mm³. Its earnings before interest, taxation, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) decreased slightly to Euro156m.

“Strong growth in France, the US, Africa and Kazakhstan helped offset difficult market conditions in Turkey and Egypt. Furthermore, in line with our strategy of targeted acquisitions, the purchase of Ciplan in Brazil, in January 2019, allowed the group to continue its international growth in a region offering strong potential by integrating teams and assets of the highest quality,” said chairman and chief executive officer (CEO) Guy Sidos.

The group performed well in France, the US and Italy, especially due to the acquisition of Ciplan in Brazil. Sales in Turkey suffered from a generally poor economic situation. Competition in Egypt and a downturn in the precast concrete market in Switzerland caused problems in these countries respectively.