Global Cement News

Oman: Raysut Cement has signed an agreement with Ayoki Engineering for upgrading its clinker cooler line three at its Salalah plant. The local engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contractor will source the equipment from Germany’s IKN, according to the Muscat Daily newspaper.

The existing grate cooler at the unit will be replaced by a 4000t/day IKN Pendulum clinker cooler with a guaranteed capacity of 3500t/day clinker production. The project scope includes related civil works, supply and installation works of mechanical and electrical works. Sourcing and installation of the refractory will also be under the responsibility of Ayoki Engineering through IKN. Final installation of the project is planned for the fourth quarter of 2019.

Algeria: The Aïn Touta Cement (SCIMAT) plant near Batna has spent US$10m on a new filter. The investment is part of a group of improvements intended to increase production at the unit in 2019, according to Le Courrier d'Algérie newspaper. The company is also implementing a new integrated administration system.

India: JSW Cement plans to increase the production capacity to 3.6Mt/yr at its Salboni grinding plant in West Bengal. The unit has a capacity of 2.4Mt/yr at present, according to the Economic Times newspaper. The cement producer plans to strengthen its presence in eastern India starting with West Bengal, Bihar, Odisha and Jharkhand. The plant manufactures Portland Slag Cement and it hopes to tap into local demand for this product with the upgrade.

India: JK Cement’s income has fallen due to growing raw material, power, fuel and freight costs. Its income fell by 27% year-on-year to US$24.5m in the nine months to 31 December 2018 from US$34.2m in the same period in 2017. Its expenses rose by 2.5% to US$456m from US$445m. Its revenue increased by 1.4% to US$481m from US$474m. Additional costs also arose during the reporting period from an US$18,000 fine levied by the Competition Commission of India in August 2018. The cement producer is challenging the penalty.

Peru: Research from Scotiabank forecasts that cement consumption will grow by 6.5% in 2019 due to construction sector growth. The market will be supported by both private and public investment, according to the Gestión newspaper. Private investment will be supported by the mining industry. Infrastructure projects including Line 2 of the Lima Metro, the expansion of the Jorge Chávez Airport, the Port of San Martín, the Port of Salaverry and others are expected to support public investment. Local consumption of cement grew by 3.7% year-on-year in 2018, the highest rate of growth since 2013.