Global Cement News

Bosnia & Herzegovina: Germany-based HeidelbergCement subsidiary Tvornica Cementa Kakanj (TCK) recorded a profit of Euro7.35m in 2019, down by 15% year-on-year from Euro8.63m in 2018. Sales rose by 1.8% over the period, to Euro37.7m from Euro37.0m. The company explained the profit drop in terms of increased operating costs, which rose by 3.8% to Euro29.4m from Euro22.7m in 2018.

Sri Lanka: Norochcholai Coal Power Plant (NCPP) is courting buyers for its fly ash, of which it says it produces US$5.5m-worth annually. In 2019 NCPP sold US$3.3m to Sri Lankan cement producers. Daily News Sri Lanka has reported that the company has undertaken measures to increase the value of the fly ash to cement producers, in order to obtain a higher price. NCPP manager Indrasiri Gallage said, "By selling fly ash to cement producers the plant has also helped to free the country from reliance on clinker imports."

An expansion, including the installation of a new 300MW coal-fired power plant, will eventually bring the NCPP’s capacity to 1200MW. The plant is currently working to increase the value of its bottom ash for paving block production.

Spain: Cementos Portland Valderrivas has said that it has donated to Cáritas Internationalis’ Samuel Project, which provides values and family workshops and quarterly excursions to disadvantaged people aged between six and 18. Cementos Portland Valderrivas Alcalá de Guadaíra plant environment manager Pedro Lanagrán said that the company is a part of the Alcalareño fabric, and therefore has a ‘responsibility towards society, which includes providing minors with the best education and the best values in order to coexist with society.’

India: Aditya Birla subsidiary UltraTech has announced plans for a 3.5Mt/yr clinker production capacity expansion to its integrated Andhra Pradesh plant in Bhogasamudram, Anantapur district, to 10Mt/yr from 6.5Mt/yr. The new kiln line will cost US$169m and reach completion in March 2022.

Egypt: Germany-based HeidelbergCement subsidiary Suez Cement’s losses fell by 11% year-on-year to US$75.0m in 2019 from US$84.1m in 2018. Mubasher News has reported that sales also fell, by 13% to US$41m from US$0.47bn.

Suez Cement is seeking buyers for its 51% stake in Kuwait-based Hilal Cement.