Pakistan: The board of directors of Lucky Cement has approved US$37.1m-worth of investments in the construction of renewable energy infrastructure at the company’s Karachi and Pezu cement plants. The producer plans to build a 6.3MW solar power plant and a 28.8MW wind power plant at the Karachi plant in Sindh and a 2.5MW solar power plant at the Pezu plant in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Pakistan Company News has reported that the board also empowered Lucky Cement to evaluate its participation in the equity of its diversified industrial manufacturing subsidiary, Lucky Core Ventures.
Sublime Systems secures ASTM C1157 designation for Sublime Cement reduced-CO2 cement
US: Sublime Systems’ Sublime Cement reduced-CO2 cement has received an ASTM C1157 designation. InterestingEngineering News has reported that this enables builders to use it in various projects in line with international building codes. Sublime Systems’ cement consists of lime and silica produced by electrolysis using non-carbonate calcium compounds.
CEO Leah Ellis said "Our aim is to make a profound and lasting impact on global CO2 emissions. The ASTM C1157 designation is a validation of our efforts to integrate low-carbon innovation into quality construction materials."
Norges Bank acquires 5% stake in Cahya Mata Sarawak
Malaysia: Norway-based Norges Bank has bought a 5% stake in Cahya Mata Sarawak, Bernama Daily Malaysian News has reported.
The bank said “Norges Bank's mission is to promote economic stability and manage substantial assets on behalf of the Norwegian people.” It added “As part of its investment strategy for the Government Pension Fund Global, Norges Bank seeks to optimise returns within the framework of its investment mandate.”
Associated Pan Malaysia Cement secures right to evict monks from Gunung Kanthan caves monastery
Malaysia: A court has granted Associated Pan Malaysia Cement (APMC) the right to evict Buddhist monks from the Gunung Kanthan caves monastery in Hulu Kinta, Perak. The land is part of a site where APMC has leased 146 hectares of land for limestone extraction. New Straits Times News has reported that the producer operates quarries in Zones A and B of the site, but has yet to commence extraction from Zones C and D. Local authorities had previously given assurance that mining operations ‘would not disturb’ the monastery.
Monks from the Thudong tradition established the Gunung Kanthan caves monastery across two caves in Gunung Kanthan hill in the early 20th century. Today, it contains numerous artefacts and works of art.


