08 March 2021

Nigeria: BUA Cement has announced that it will commission the second production line at its Kalambiana cement plant in Sokoto state in July 2021. The Daily Independent newspaper has reported that the upgrade will bring the plant’s cement production capacity to 3Mt/yr. The group intends for the plant to serve the growing domestic cement demand and to stabilise prices.

India: ISGEC Heavy Engineering has won a contract for a double waste heat recovery (WHR) unit installation at Shree Cement’s Raipur cement plant. The Business Standard newspaper has reported that the supplier will install one unit on the plant’s pre-heater exhaust, and the other on the 10,500t/day kiln’s cooler exhaust.

Industrial and green energy boilers business head Vinod Luthra said, “This is indeed a very prestigious order for us and we thank Shree Cement for once again showing confidence in ISGEC's capabilities. This is the second project that ISGEC will be successfully setting up for Shree Cement."

China: Anhui Conch Cement recorded consolidated sales revenue of US$27.0bn in 2020, up by 12% year-on-year from US$24.0bn in 2019. Its net profit rose by 5% to US$5.38bn from US$5.14bn.The company said that its total assets were US$30.8bn in 2019, representing an increase of 12% from the end of last year.

Colombia: Grupo Argos subsidiary Cementos Argos has recycled a total of 7m cement bags since 2013 under its Green Bags recycling initiative. The El Nuevo Siglo newspaper has reported that the recycled bags contained 1000t of paper. In water savings alone, the figure corresponds to 80,200m3 - enough water to supply 472,000 people for a day. 159 commercial customers have so far contributed their used bags. In the Medellín metropolitan area, the programme achieved a bag return rate of 95%.The group overcame coronavirus pandemic-related challenges to recycle 15,900 bags in 2020.

UK: The Global Cement and Concrete Association (GCCA) has launched a video in recognition of the positive impact of women in the cement and concrete industry. The ‘call-to-action’ video also advances gender equality, in celebration of International Women’s Day.

Chief executive officer Dinah McLeod said, “As we help build the sustainable world of tomorrow, ensuring gender balance across all levels will encourage innovation and the forward thinking that we need to meet our climate goals. Our industry contributes to all UN Sustainable Development Goals including gender equality. We encourage more women to enter our industry to help shape its future and tackle the biggest challenge of our time – climate change.”

GCCA gender equality initiatives include the Global Cement and Concrete Industry Women’s Network and ‘Lean in Circles.’ The Women’s Network holds meetings and discussions to bring together women across GCCA member companies. Lean in Circles connects women across its networks in addressing specific issues. Women across the sector are encouraged to join. With these, the association aims to provide support, build confidence and ultimately increase diversity in the sector.

UK: QMJ Group has decided to postpone its Hillhead quarrying and recycling show until 21 – 23 June 2022. It follows review of its plans for 2021 with consideration given to the government’s post-Covid pandemic reopening roadmap. The event was originally planned to take place in June 2021.

Event director Richard Bradbury said, “Under these guidelines, it is clear that the show will not be able to operate legally in June this year. Our priority is to provide the Hillhead experience that our exhibitors and visitors have come to expect but, with the continuing uncertainty around travel restrictions and social distancing measures, this is not achievable in 2021.” He added, “By delaying the show until June 2022, the full benefits of a completed vaccination programme will have filtered through, allowing us to deliver a safe and vibrant event. The team looks forward to welcoming you back to Hillhead Quarry, Buxton, from 21 - 23 June 2022.”