Global Cement News

Romania: CRH has launched a wind farm to supply renewable electricity to its Medgidia cement plant. The wind farm comprises five turbines with a total capacity of 30MW and is expected to generate 80GWh/yr. Now fully operational, the facility can reduce the CO₂ footprint of the cement produced at the plant and contribute to reducing Romania's energy-related CO₂ emissions by 40,000t/yr.

Türkiye: IFC has provided a US$70m 'green' loan to Çimsa to support its decarbonisation efforts, according to a press release from the IFC. The investment will fund energy efficiency projects, modernisation and the installation of solar photovoltaic panels. Expected outcomes include a 10% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and increasing renewable energy usage to 20% by 2025. IFC's Cement Decarbonisation Tool Advisory Service will also assist Çimsa in identifying operational enhancements and further investments for achieving its sustainability goals.

Jamaica: Caribbean Cement has reported a decline in its September 2024 quarter sales by 11% year-on-year, falling to US$37.2m. Third quarter operating earnings dropped by 76% to US$3.6m, largely due to Hurricane Beryl impacting sales and production, alongside increased costs from a scheduled plant maintenance. Earnings before taxation for the third quarter also saw a 69% decline to US$4.8m, and net income dropped by 66% to US$4.2m. ​

From January – September 2024, however, revenue slightly rose by 1% to US$129m. Operating earnings for the nine-month period reached US$36m, up by 4.3% year-on-year. Earnings before taxation for the nine months grew by 11% year-on-year to US$37.2m, while consolidated net income was US$30m, a 12% increase year-on-year.

Belarus/Russia: Belarusian Cement Company has reached an agreement with the Republic of Khakassia for the delivery of regular coal shipments for its cement plants. The new agreement will ensure the weekly transport of approximately four trains loaded with coal from November 2024 - January 2025, meeting 100% of the demand of the Belarusian plants.

Thailand: Siam Cement Group (SCG) plans to cut costs by US$147m in 2025 to address a 75% year-on-year fall in nine-month profit to US$202m. Despite stable revenue of US$11.2bn during the period, earnings before interest, taxation, depreciation, and amortisation (EBITDA) dropped by 10% year-on-year to US$1.15bn.

In the third quarter of 2024, SCG reported revenue of US$3.79bn and EBITDA of US$292m, with profits dropping by 81% to US$21.3m due to currency exchange losses.

SCG aims to boost liquidity by selling assets and enhancing production efficiency, including a 50% increase in alternative fuel use in cement production, according to The Nation newspaper. Non-profitable businesses will be suspended, with further evaluations by mid-2025.

Thammasak Sethaudom, president and CEO of SCG, anticipates only a 3% rise in revenue for the coming year amidst global economic fluctuations and regional market challenges.