Global Cement News

Spain: Holcim España’s Viver quarries have received an Environmental Impact Declaration (EID) to expand from 13.5 to 37.5 hectares. This expansion will enable the company to extract 300,000t/yr of limestone to supply its Sagunto cement plant. The EID will allow the company to continue to operate the quarry until 2054.

Australia: Adbri has concluded a new interim arrangement with Independent Cement and Lime (ICL), extending ICL’s existing exclusive cement distribution contract from 1 March – 30 June 2024. ICL is a joint venture of Adbri and Barro Group.

Germany: Robecco has announced with sadness the death of its founder and managing director Robert Becker, following a short, serious illness. The company said that Becker’s legacy will continue to influence it. It said that it will be happy to answer any questions or concerns of customers or partners.

Robecco said “Robert Becker was not only an outstanding entrepreneur, but also an extraordinary person who shaped our company with his commitment, his vision and his tireless efforts. His legacy will live on in our hearts and in the DNA of our company.” It added “Despite the heavy loss, we assure you that business will continue as usual in all areas of the company. We are determined to honour the legacy of Robert Becker and to continue his legacy.”

Australia: Boral's Berrima cement plant team has successfully concluded its annual kiln shutdown and maintenance period. The producer invested US$13.1m and 100,000 working hours over a period of three weeks. The project required coordination with 50 different contracting companies to undertake mechanical repairs and replace the kiln refractory, which is crucial for protecting the kiln shell from heat damage and ensuring operational safety. Employing Cement 4.0 technology and advanced diagnostic tools, the team efficiently identified the necessary repairs. About 300 employees and contractors were engaged in the specialist tasks, facilitating a rapid resumption of kiln operations.

India: Shree Cement has begun construction of two new 3.5Mt/yr cement plants at Etah and Prayagraj in Uttar Pradesh. The Hindustan Times newspaper has reported that the projects represent the company’s delivery on a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Uttar Pradesh government, that it signed in February 2023. The producer aims to reach 9Mt/yr in installed capacity in Uttar Pradesh by February 2026, with estimated investments of US$241m. It currently operates a 2Mt/yr integrated cement plant at Bulandshahr.

The company said "The company’s 3.5Mt/yr plant in Etah is expected to be operational in the next 12 months, while another 3.5Mt/yr plant will be set up in Prayagraj, targeting production commencement in 24 months."