Global Cement News

Libya: Preparations are progressing for the launch of the Misrata Cement Plant project, with a technical committee reviewing the steps needed to begin implementation. The committee in Tripoli examined technical and administrative measures for completing the preparatory phase and reviewed geological and soil analysis work by the Industrial Research Centre.

It also followed up on the contract with an international engineering consultancy assisting in negotiations and implementation with China-based Sinoma – Wuhan. A Libyan project manager has been appointed to oversee and evaluate the work of the technical and consulting teams. The meeting formed part of efforts by the Libya Africa Investment Portfolio and the technical committee to move towards construction in line with international standards.

Mexico: Cemex has released its third quarter financial results, reporting a 5% rise in net sales and double-digit consolidated earnings before interest, taxation, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) growth, driven by operational efficiencies and higher prices. The company achieved US$90m in EBITDA savings through Project Cutting Edge and expects to reach its full-year target of US$200m.

During this period, Cemex completed the divestment of its operations in Panama and acquired a majority stake in US-based Couch Aggregates. In Europe, the company remains ahead of the European Cement Association’s 2030 CO₂ emissions target. Third-quarter sales in Mexico were down by 2% year-on-year to US$1.12bn, while EBITDA was up by 16% to US$369m. In the US, sales were down by 2% to US$1.31bn, while EBITDA was up by 4% to US$269m. In the Europe, Middle East and Africa region, sales were up by 11% to US$1.38bn, while EBITDA was up by 23% to US$247m. South, Central America and the Caribbean saw sales up by 6% to US$295m and EBITDA up by 55% to US$64m.

CEO Jaime Muguiro said “Our achievements in the quarter confirm that we are setting a strong foundation to position Cemex as a more focused, agile and high-performing company.”

India: JK Cement has commissioned a new 1Mt/yr cement grinding facility at its Prayagraj works, raising the unit’s capacity from 2Mt/yr to 3Mt/yr and the company’s total grey cement capacity from 25.3Mt/yr to 26.3Mt/yr. The project forms part of JK Cement’s 6Mt/yr capacity expansion plan approved in January 2024, which includes brownfield projects in Panna, Hamirpur and Prayagraj, and a greenfield plant in Bihar.

UAE: Gulf Cement has been integrated into Italy-based producer Buzzi. The event was celebrated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by senior executives of both companies.

Buzzi said “This integration is not just a business transaction; it represents a strategic alignment of shared values, innovation and long-term growth. We are delighted to welcome Gulf Cement into our family and look forward to building a stronger, more sustainable future together.”

Austria: Energy utility Verbund has commissioned a 15.4MW solar power plant at Holcim’s Mannersdorf cement plant in Lower Austria. Operational since mid-2025, the 17-hectare solar park features 22,204 modules that produce 19.3GW/yr of electricity, meeting around 15% of the plant’s total energy demand.

Verbund said the project will avoid up to 15,000t/yr of CO₂ emissions. It designed, built and will operate the facility. Holcim said the installation is central to its plan to power the Mannersdorf plant entirely with renewable energy by 2030.