China: China Resources Cement (CRC) has inaugurated its Cement International Innovation Centre. The producer says that the centre will contribute to the sustainable growth of its operations across three platforms, namely: cutting-edge research and development, international technologies exchange and international talent introductions.

CRC chair Ji Youhong said that the start of operations at the Cement International Innovation Centre constituted a 'major achievement' under the government's 14th Five Year Plan.

Japan: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) has won an Award for Excellence at the 41st Nikkei Excellent Products and Services Awards for its carbon capture system. It was among eight industrial products to win the award for the year. The panel of judges selected MHI's system for its compact and versatile module configuration, which shortens installation and transport times.

MHI's model has been in industrial operation since June 2022, when MHI inaugurated its first system at Taihei Dengyo Kaisha's Seifu Shinto biomass power plant. The technology is now in operation or under implementation at cement plants in Japan and overseas. Most recently, MHI secured a carbon capture contract with a UK cement plant, Hanson's Padeswood plant, in mid-December 2022.

Australia: Hallett Group said that a 42m-high storage dome at its upcoming Port Adelaide cement terminal deflated amid on-going construction work at the site on 2 February 2023. ABC News has reported that Hallett Group plans to rebuild the structure at the facility in South Australia. It said that the supplier of the dome's outer skin has sent representatives from Canada to supervise in the reconstruction.

When commissioned, the Port Adelaide cement terminal will distribute cement from Hallett Group's Port Augusta slag cement grinding plant in the north of the state.

Mexico: GCC recorded full-year sales of US$1.17bn in 2022, up by 13% year-on-year from US$1.04bn in 2021. The producer’s earnings before interest, taxation, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) also rose, by 7.4% year-on-year to US$363m from US$338m.

The producer increased its cement sales volumes by 2.9% in the US, while its cement volumes dropped by 2.9% in Mexico. Prices rose across both regions, by 12% and 13% respectively. An increased cost of production and increased freight and maintenance costs partly offset the rise.

GCC chief executive officer Enrique Escalante said “GCC’s focus on operational excellence enabled us to deliver strong results in an unprecedented market environment. We continue to anticipate challenges, mitigating their potential effects while also capitalising on important opportunities. Our team will continue to adapt to the evolving operating dynamics in the year ahead, as these will present further occasions for us to again leverage our exceptional competitive advantages.”