Global Cement News

Philippines: Cemex Philippines Solid Cement plant in Antipolo has lifted a new rotary kiln into position as part of a US$235m installation of a new production line at the site. Once complete the new line will add 1.5Mt/yr to the unit’s production capacity increasing the total to 3.4Mt/yr. The new production line will reuse waste hot gases to dry raw materials and high efficiency bag filters reduce improve emissions control. Cemex is also using its proprietary Low Temperature Clinker technology to reduce carbon dioxide emissions.

"This milestone demonstrates our full commitment to the development of the country and brings us closer to further strengthening our position in providing the infrastructure and building needs for economic development," said Ignacio Mijares, the chief executive officer (CEO) and president of Cemex Holdings Philippines.

China-based CBMI Construction has been contracted to build the new line. It lifted the new kiln in two days. Tong Laigou, chairman and general manager of CBMI Construction, said that the CBMI and Cemex Philippines' teams worked under strict protocols to secure the safety of the site.

Pakistan: Cherat Cement plans to spend US22m on an upgrade to Line 1 at its integrated plant in Nowshera district, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. The project includes the installation of a new crusher and general maintenance on the production line.

Belgium: IKN was presented with the first clinker from a modified calciner and IKN cooler installed at the CBR Cement integrated Antoing plant on 24 December 2020. The cement sector engineering supplier said, “We thank everybody involved for their determination and efforts in this challenging project: in spite of Coronanirus and a tough schedule there was no compromise on safety!” CBR Cement is a subsidiary of Germany-based HeidelbergCement.

Peru: Cement and clinker production fell by 14% year-on-year to 9.14Mt and 39% year-on-year to 5.54Mt respectively in 2020. Data from the Association of Cement Producers (ASOCEM) shows that production fell significantly during March to May 2020 at the same time as a coronavirus-related lockdown. However, ASOCEM reports that cement sales from August to December 2020 were higher than the historical monthly averages. Exports of cement and clinker fell by 28% to 0.14Mt and 56% to 0.31Mt. Imports of cement decreased by 7% to 0.72Mt but clinker imports grew by 7% to 0.67Mt.

China: Seven of Huaxin Cement’s plants have been selected on a national energy efficiency list released by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology and the State Administration of Market Regulation. The list contains energy efficiency ‘leaders’ from energy intensive industries in 2020. It includes 28 cement companies. Huaxin Cement’s plants were selected in Xinyang, Yangxin, Zhaotong, Zhuzhou, Xigaze, Wuxue and Tibet factory. Of these the Xinyang plant had the lowest energy intensity of clinker production of all the cement producers on the list.