Bolivia: The public prosecutor's office of Oruro Department has opened an investigation into ‘unjustified cement prices rises’ following complaints. NF News has reported that the investigation will aim to identify the origin of price rises within the production and distribution chain.

Zimbabwe: Shuntai Investments has signed an engineering, procurement and construction agreement with China’s CBMI Construction for the development of a 6000t/day clinker production line in Zvishavane, Zimbabwe, according to NewsDay. CBMI managing director Zhang Sicai and Shuntai chair Xing Mingchang signed the agreement in Beijing.

“This collaboration fully reflects CBMI Construction’s technical expertise and professional advantages in the cement engineering sector, opening new avenues for the regional company to serve the Zimbabwean and surrounding markets,” CBMI said in a statement.

“Upon completion, the project will effectively boost local clinker and cement supply capacity, providing solid support for Zimbabwe’s infrastructure development and industrial growth.”

Venezuela: The National Assembly President, Jorge Rodríguez, has summoned those connected to the supply of imported Turkish cement to explain a rise in prices. NF News has reported that the discussions will explore cost structures and market conditions.

France: Vicat has announced an investment of €7.5m to electrify equipment at its Xeuilley site in Meurthe-et-Moselle based on technology from start-up Noc Energy, supported by the French Agency for Ecological Transition (ADEME), according to local press. Electrically-generated heat will be used to preheat material in a crusher that was previously heated using coal. Vicat says that this will reduce its CO₂ emissions by 12,000t/yr, or 80%. Commissioning is planned for 2028 and will increase energy demand from 13MW to 28MW. Electrification of the clay firing is also planned for 2031.