Global Cement News

North America: The Wildlife Habitat Council (WHC) has recognised Cemex’s conservation efforts in Mexico and the US with awards for four of its projects. These included its restoration of desert habitats at Cerro Jardín, Xoyatla and Coayuca in Atotonilco, Mexico. Cemex said that all of the projects advance its Future in Action strategy of sustainable excellence through circularity, climate action and water and biodiversity management, in line with becoming a net zero company by 2050.

Comoros: Cimentos Comores is considering finding temporary sources of bagged cement after its regular bulk deliveries via the Port of Moroni, Grand Comore, became disrupted. Al-Watwan News has reported that a malfunctioning landing buoy has prevented cargo ships from landing at the port.

Cimentos Comores said “In the absence of a technical solution, we will be forced to cancel the operations.”

The Gambia: The Gambian government has released over 300 truckloads of imported cement held at the Senegal border at Farafenni. The Ministry of Trade, Industry, Regional Integration and Employment described the move as a one-time measure intended to alleviate the backlog caused by a rise in import duties, by a factor of six, to US$2.66/bag. The Cement Importers and Traders Association (CITA) welcomed the release of the cement, citing concerns over a possible shortage.

China: The National Development and Reform Commission, along with other government departments, has launched the Special Action Plan for Energy Conservation and CO₂ Reduction in the Cement Industry. The plan aims to cap clinker capacity at 1.8Bnt/yr by 2026, with 30% of it above the national energy efficiency benchmark level. This will reduce energy consumption per tonne by 3.7% from 2020 levels. The plan will eliminate 13Mt of CO₂ emissions and 5Mt of coal consumption in 2024 – 2025.

India: The National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT) has declined to stay insolvency proceedings against Jaiprakash Associates, following a challenge by its board. The board has been suspended since the NCLAT admitted an insolvency plea against the company on 3 June 2024. Press Trust of India News has reported that ICICI Bank first initiated proceedings over outstanding debts in September 2018.

The board of Jaiprakash Associates submitted that it will remain ‘asset-rich,’ even after it sells cement plants to repay loans. It attributed its present ‘liquidity crunch’ to delayed government approvals, ‘prolonged’ litigation and policy changes. The NCLAT stated that it must admit insolvency pleas in cases of defaulted debt repayment, saying that a judicial resolution will prevent further depletion of Jaiprakash Associates’ assets.