US: Silvi Cement, a division of Silvi Materials, is expanding its rail-served cementitious materials distribution network with a new terminal in Greenville, South Carolina, and the opening of its previously announced terminal in Colombus, Ohio. The Greenville terminal is currently under construction and is expected to become operational in October 2026. The facility will distribute Type I/II low-alkali cement and Grade 120 slag. Construction is also progressing on the distribution facility in Columbus, previously announced in October 2025. This facility will be operational in the fourth quarter of 2026 and will also distribute Type I/II low-alkali cement and Grade 120 slag, but with 24/7 loading capabilities.

Colombia: Holcim Colombia has announced that it will deliver 7t of cement, financial contributions from its employees and technical assistance for home recovery to support communities affected by the earthquake on 10 August 2026 in the department of Chocó. The initiative will be carried out in collaboration with the Ministry of Housing and will prioritise the stabilisation of basic infrastructure and urgent repairs in the most vulnerable areas. Holcim said that the ‘first’ 7t will be specifically directed towards priority interventions in infrastructure. Employees in Latin America will contribute a day’s salary, and the company will match this contribution, which will be channelled through the ‘Colombia, One Heart’ foundation and UNICEF.

Nigeria: Dangote Cement is reportedly ‘struggling’ to secure vessels for a 1000t shipment from Nigeria to neighbouring Ghana. The move comes as Nigeria attempts to rebuild domestic shipping capacity after decades of dependence on foreign vessels. The alternative, moving products by road, comes with high costs, such as fuel costs, border delays and taxes.

Image: l'Hebdo du Vendredi

France: Workers at the Ciments Calcia plant in Couvrot are preparing to go on strike, according to L’Hebdo du Vendredi news. The reason has been stated as: ‘staff reductions, with the number of employees dropping from 142 to 132; unfilled voluntary departures; and increasingly difficult working conditions.’

In September 2023, a large number of employees mobilised to block entry to the plant and denounced ‘unsuitable’ working conditions and a ‘toxic’ work environment. The strike lasted 54 days and received the support of local politicians. However, Fabrice Chamarac, secretary of the Social and Economic Committee (CSE) and the CGT union branch, said that operations were resumed without an official agreement to end the conflict, ‘relying solely on verbal commitments from management.’

Now, Chamarac says “We see employees completely terrified and people breaking down, including managers. In one year, they've summoned about 10 people. Sanctions, suspensions, warnings and threats are commonplace. Some even received their dismissal letters while they were on vacation. We've taken several cases to the labour court with our lawyer."

The CGT union has organised a general staff meeting for 3 September 2026, together with managers and the head of human resources. Chamarac said that unless the situation ‘calms down’, the meeting will likely result in a strike notice that will begin the next day.