15 September 2016
Sarbottam launches cement brands in Nepal 15 September 2016
Nepal: Sarbottam Cement, part of the Saurabh Group, has launched its Ordinary Portland Cement and Portland Slag Cement brands. The company operates a 0.4Mt/yr cement grinding plant at Ramnagar.
European Bank for Reconstruction & Development confirms decision to raise stake in Holcim Azerbaijan cement plant 15 September 2016
Azerbaijan: The board of directors of the European Bank for Reconstruction & Development's (EBRD) has decided to raise its stake in Holcim Azerbaijan to 20%. The move is intended to support the company’s energy efficiency through the use of alternative fuels.
“The bank will continue to support a major company in Azerbaijan, demonstrating continued support for the country's non-oil sector,” said the bank in a statement. “In addition, the company is committed to sustainability standards and will pursue the use of alternative fuels in its operations.”
LafargeHolcim acquired a controlling stake in Holcim Azerbaijan, formerly Garadagh OJSC, during a privatization process in 1999. The EBRD currently owns a 10% share in the cement producer.
Procemcol opens cement plant in Sogamoso 15 September 2016
Colombia: Procemcol has opened its 0.24Mt/yr Productora de Cemento SAS cement plant in Sogamoso. The project had an investment of US$10.2m and it will create 65 jobs, according to the El Tiempo newspaper. Sogamoso also has two other cement plants, owned by Cementos Argos and Cementos del Oriente, which are upgrading their equipment.
Hima Cement signs cement supply deal with Guangzhou Dongsong 15 September 2016
Uganda: Hima Cement has signed a memorandum of understanding with Guangzhou Dongsong Energy Group Company for the supply of over 40,000t of cement. The deal is to support the construction of industrial projects on an industrial park in Sukulu, according to the Kampala Observer. Guangzhou Dongsong Energy Group is a Chinese company that holds a lease to mine and process phosphates in Sukulu, Tororo district.
"The purpose of this memorandum of understanding is to establish the relationship between Hima and Guangzhou Dongsong. This cooperation of both parties shall cover the project of construction of the phosphate plant and steel plant, and any other projects within the Sukulu industrial park," said Daniel Pettersson, the chief executive officer of Hima Cement Uganda. Hima Cement also hopes to be able to purchase slag from the steel plant once it is built.
Lafarge North America to lay off workers at Joppa cement plant 15 September 2016
US: Lafarge North America plans to lay off an estimated 40 workers at his Joppa cement plant in Illinois. The move follows a decision to shut down one of the plants two kilns due to poor demand, according to WSIL-TV. The announcement follows the cement producer’s decision to scrap its expansion at the plant in May 2016. It previously said that no job losses were anticipated.
FLSmidth signs operation and maintenance contract with Wadi El Nile Cement Company 15 September 2016
Egypt: FLSmidth has signed a contract with Wadi El Nile Cement Company (WNCC) for operation and maintenance of its cement plant. The contract is a five-year continuation of the existing contract signed in 2010. In addition, WNCC also ordered an upgrade of the plant from 6000t/day to 7200t/day of clinker. The upgrade will be executed as part of the operation and maintenance contract. The value of the deal has not been disclosed.
"The continuation of the contract is visible proof of the successful partnership we have with WNCC. We have now operated their 6000t/day for almost five years. The performance delivered was the main driver for WNCC to expand and continue its partnership with FLSmidth. The extension of the operation and maintenance contract reflects our ability to increase our customers' productivity and preserve asset value," said FLSmdith Group Executive Vice President, Cement Division, Per Mejnert Kristensen.
The initial contract will expire at the end of 2016 and the new contract term is from January 2017 to December 2021. The upgrade to 7200t/day is planned to be operational from the summer of 2017.