Global Cement News

India: Mangalam Cement has secured a lease from the Rajasthan state government for the 204Mt Ninama Dunia limestone mine in Rajasthan's Kota District. Mangalam Cement won the auction with a highest final price offer of 85%, corresponding to a tax revenue of US$1.17m/yr for the state. Throughout the operational life of the mine up to 2073, the Rajasthan state government expects to collect revenues of US$1.22bn.

The Hindustan Times newspaper has reported that the Rajasthan government expects to auction four limestone mines in Banswara District later in 2023.

Rajasthan generates 20% of India's cement-grade limestone.

Philippines: CRH subsidiary Republic Cement and its waste management subsidiary Ecoloop are seeking to establish partnerships with 'sustainability-minded' organisations. BusinessWorld News has reported that Republic Cement and Ecoloop process waste for 12 private companies and 30 local government units. Philippines law will require that large organisations recover 80% of their plastic packaging waste by 2030. For 2023, the minimum is 2023.

Ecoloop managing director Angela Edralin-Valencia said “Our goal is to make our cement a greener and more environmentally friendly product. Our ambition is to replace 50% of our fuel consumption with alternative fuel (AF)." She added "A lot of investments have to be put in place from our end to get to that number, but we are still reviewing our options.”

Philippines: Cemex has launched an offer to acquire 12% of outstanding shares in Cemex Philippines, giving it a 90% stake in the company, for US$38m. Axis Negocios News has reported that the group is seeking to increase and consolidate its interests in Cemex Philippines in order to assess a potential divestment from its position.

In December 2020, Cemex increased its stake in its subsidiary Cemex Latam Holdings by 20% to 93%. It subsequently divested part of that business in 2022.

Germany: Hazemag has successfully completed its construction of a Centre Sizer 1025 crusher and a HAF25142 apron feeder. Hazemag will now despatch the equipment to Florida, US, where a ‘major aggregate and cement producer’ will integrate them in its operations.

Hazemag said “From the project’s inception, this producer focused on key partners that could deliver proven, reliable solutions - we are happy to be one of them.”

India: Shree Digvijay Cement recorded sales of US$25.2m during the third quarter of the 2023 Indian financial year (October – December 2022). This corresponds to a rise of 35% year-on-year from US$18.6m in the third quarter of the 2022 financial year. The producer overcame continued high costs during the period to record a profit of US$1.25m, up by 40% year-on-year from US$891,000.