Global Cement News

Egypt: Egyptian Cement Group’s chief executive officer (CEO) Ahmed Abou Hashima says that the company plans to inaugurate its new cement factory in 2021. The plant is located in Sohag and has a total investment cost of US$285m, according to the Hapi Journal. The 2Mt/yr project was originally scheduled to open in the first half of 2020 but was delayed due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Turkey: DAL Teknik Makina says that Çimsa Çimento has engaged its services for a cyclone replacement at its 3.4Mt/yr Mersin cement plant in Mersin Province. The upgrade consists of “modification of the first and second-stage cyclones and riser ducts in the first clinker production line, downcomer ducts modification, dip tubes, pendulum flaps, meal pipes and splash boxes installation and refractory procurement and installation.”

The group said, “The modification project will allow electrical and a small amount of heat energy reduction by reducing pressure drop and improving separation efficiency of the cyclones.”

Nigeria: Lafarge Africa has made a donation of US$1.29m to the battle against Covid-19 in Nigeria. Business Day news has reported that the money will go towards “various initiatives aimed at fighting the pandemic.” Lafarge Africa previously gave the use of three of its facilities and donated personal protective equipment (PPE) for the isolation and treatment of Coronavrius patients in April 2020.

US: CRH subsidiary Ash Grove Cement says that it is undertaking an upgrade of its Port Manatee, Florida deep water cement terminal to install a high capacity FLSmidth Kovako unloader and modernise existing material transfer and electrical systems, as well as establishing self-loading capabilities. The aim of the upgrade is “to improve Ash Grove’s capacity to import cement clinker, slag and fly ash to meet the existing and future needs of customers in the Florida and South Georgia markets.

Regional president Monica Manolas said, “The underlying fundamentals in the Florida market are positive with good population and employment growth. The upgrade of the Port Manatee import terminal will expand our capabilities and strengthen our ability to meet growing demand in the region.”

The company says that construction will begin in early 2021 and the upgraded terminal will open in late 2021.

UK: Hanson Cement’s Ketton plant has been featured in a short film as part of ‘Triple Harvest’ by Fermynwoods Contemporary Art, an arts charity’s online exhibition of video films looking at public spaces in Northamptonshire. The programme explores the push and pull between nature and human presence and the effect that extracting resources from the landscape has upon those living within it. Amanda Loomes’ film ‘Combine’ mixes footage from the Ketton cement plant in Rutland in 2017 with archive extracts from ‘Double Harvest,’ ‘The Great Jib’ and ‘Iron Ore in Britain.’

Other works in the programme examine the experience of steel production, farming and the experience of refugees moving to the area. The project has been supported by Corby Borough Council Archives and funded by Arts Council England.

View the 'Triple Harvest' online exhibition here: http://fermynwoods.org/triple-harvest-films/