Global Cement News

Kenya: At least 99kg of heroin and cocaine worth US$2.3m were destroyed at the Bamburi Cement Mombasa plant, at the request of the Directorate of Criminal Investigations Kenya, according to a social media post from the company. Bamburi Cement’s kiln was selected as the most secure method for incinerating the seized narcotics.

“Our kilns co-process waste and convert it into energy, reducing CO₂ emissions and supporting a clean circular economy. We are proud to contribute to this public interest solution that has eliminated a threat posed to our fellow Kenyans,” said Sustainability & Geocycle Director Jane Wangari.

Bamburi Cement has previously collaborated with multi-agency teams to dispose of over 5000t of hazardous waste imported into the country at its Mombasa facility.

Burkina Faso: Freight forwarder Fracht Group has delivered cement plant equipment to a new plant being built in Burkina Faso. It delivered a cement mill shell weighing 76t, which was transported alongside an additional 1024t worth of accessories.

Switzerland: Holcim has announced its 2024 financial results, reporting record performance with full-year net sales of €28.2bn and an operating profit of €4.9bn. The company increased its use of recycled construction demolition materials by 20% to 10.2Mt. The planned listing of its North American business remains on track for completion by the end of the first half of 2025.

Holcim's net sales in the cement sector reached €14bn. In North America, net sales were €6.8bn despite challenging market conditions. Latin America achieved its 18th consecutive quarter of profitable growth, with net sales of €3bn. During the year, there were four acquisitions to enter the new market of Peru and expand operations in Mexico and Guatemala. The Asia, Middle East and Africa region reported net sales of €3.85bn, driven by growth in Australia and North Africa, alongside four divestments completed in 2024. The Solutions and Products sector continued its profitable growth, with net sales of €6.3bn, primarily due to increased sales of its advanced roofing systems. Sustainable building solutions contributed to profitable growth in Europe, with net sales of €7.7bn

In the fourth quarter of 2024, Holcim's net sales were €6.9bn, a 1.6% increase compared to the same period in 2023. The company remains optimistic about 2025, with a strong outlook across all business segments.

Nigeria: Lafarge Africa reported a profit after tax of US$67m for the 2024 financial year, up by 96% from the US$34.3m recorded in 2023. The cement producer saw its sales rise by 72% to US$468m in 2024 from US$272m in the previous year. According to its audited financial statements filed on the Nigeria Exchange, Lafarge Africa's performance was driven by higher sales volume and improved pricing strategies, despite prevailing macroeconomic challenges.

The company's gross profit rose by 68% to US$233m from US$139m in 2023. Its operating profit stood at US$130m, up by 89% from the US$68.6m recorded in 2023.

Libya: The Libya Africa Investment Portfolio (LAIP) reported that its Misrata cement plant project will move forward, following the committee’s eighth meeting, reports the Libya Herald. The project aims to produce 2Mt/yr in the first phase, rising to 4Mt/yr in the second phase in order to satisfy the demands of the local market, according to economic feasibility studies prepared for the project. The meeting confirmed that the quantity of raw materials is sufficient to operate the plant for at least 50 years. The project has been suspended since 2012, with completion at around 32%. China-based Sinoma Yuhan will construct the plant.