US: Martin Marietta Materials has announced that it will combine with Lhoist North America (LNA) for US$13.5bn in cash and shares in Martin Marietta. The transaction is expected to be completed in the second half of 2026, subject to regulatory approvals. Lhoist North America is a producer of lime and industrial mineral products, operating a network of 20 quarries and production facilities and 45 distribution terminals. It generated US$1.8bn in gross sales in 2025. LNA has more than 2Bnt of limestone reserves in Sun Belt metropolitan corridors.

Ward Nye, president and CEO of Martin Marietta, said "This transaction represents another transformational milestone for Martin Marietta and directly advances our SOAR 2030 objective to expand our Specialties segment in lime and other industrial minerals. It builds on our core quarrying competency, expands our geographic footprint and establishes Martin Marietta as the leading national producer of lime solutions. As the US continues to invest in infrastructure, advanced manufacturing, energy development and industrial expansion, demand for high-quality lime products is expected to remain resilient for decades to come.

Baron Berghmans, chair of Lhoist Group, said "For more than a century, our family has built Lhoist into a global leader by safeguarding world-class limestone reserves and serving our customers with discipline, quality and care. In Martin Marietta, we have found a partner who shares these values, honours the legacy we have carefully built and ensures it will endure for generations to come.”

Syria: Saudi Arabia-based Al Jouf Cement has signed a supply contract to export cement and clinker to Syria, valued at US$14.7m. The contract is valid for one year. The company signed the contract with Maham Constructing and Contracting Co, an investment group operating in the construction and logistics sectors. The financial impact of the contract will be reflected in the company’s financial results starting from the third quarter of 2026. Details were not disclosed regarding tonnage of the exports.

Iraq: Construction has begun on the Ramadi Cement plant in Anbar province, which will produce 1Mt/yr of cement, according to Shafaq news. The project is 100% privately financed and is part of efforts to expand Iraq’s industrial capacity and attract investment into the country. Moayad al-Dulaimi, spokesperson for the Anbar provincial government, said that the facility is expected to create at least 5000 jobs and support the development of the province's natural and mineral resources. He added that construction is currently between 27% and 30% complete. The plant will incorporate German technology, while Swiss engineering teams are overseeing construction ‘to ensure compliance with international technical standards.’ The developer, Sada Al-Nujoom for Contracting and Oil Services, has built a 26MW power plant to supply electricity to the plant.

Philippines: Mark Anthony Agsalud Integrated Waste Solutions in Bonbonon will process post-consumer materials into refuse-derived fuel (RDF) for cement plants. The facility only accepts segregated waste from households and commercial establishments, which will be delivered to Holcim and Republic Cement’s facilities to be used for their cement production. A recent delivery was reportedly made on 25 June 2026 for Republic Cement, according to Minda news. An official said that the payment for the deliveries is an internal arrangement between the waste processing firm and the two cement companies.