Burkina Faso: Ibrahim Traoré, the President of Burkina Faso, inaugurated the Sino-Burkinabè Industrial Cement Company (CISINOB) in Laongo, Ziniaré on 20 March 2025. The grinding plant has a capacity of 0.75Mt/yr and cost US$43m. The unit will be expanded in a second later stage to reach a capacity of 1.2Mt/yr.

Colombia: Grey cement production in Colombia fell by 5.9% year-on-year to 0.95Mt in January 2025. Domestic shipments also fell by 3.0%, reflecting lower demand in the construction market, according to the National Administrative Department of Statistics (DANE).

DANE reported that cumulative production between February 2024 and January 2025 reached 13.3Mt, a 5.7% year-on-year decrease compared to the same period a year previously. Domestic shipments dropped by 12.1Mt. Industry experts warn that these results could impact the pace of construction activity in the country in the coming months.

Vietnam: Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha has given in-principle approval for a port project at Long Son My Xuan in Ba Ria-Vung Tau Province. The US$102m plan includes a 2.3Mt/yr cement grinding plant, according to the Saigon Times Daily newspaper. A 270m-long berth for ships up to 30,000dwt and four 530m berths for vessels up to 7500dwt will also be added.

The People’s Committee of Ba Ria-Vung Tau Province has been assigned to allocate land to the investor in accordance with the approved land use planning, land use plan, and port development master plan, ensuring compliance with land regulations.

UK: Cemex has announced the construction of a mortar plant in Swindon, Wiltshire as part of its strategy to supply more alternative and sustainable materials to growing urban centres. The Mexico-based group said the plant will begin operations in the second half of 2025.

The new plant will produce Cemex's Vertua low-carbon mortars, with a CO2 footprint at least 30% lower than that of standard mortars. It will also feature a drying system designed to minimise heat consumption and significantly reduce fossil fuel consumption throughout the production process.

"As part of our growth strategy, we make strategic acquisitions and build new plants in advanced markets," said Fernando A Gonzalez, Cemex's CEO. "This strategically-located plant will enhance our production capacity in the country, advance our decarbonisation goals and allow us to offer a better experience to our customers in the region."