23 April 2021

Switzerland: LafargeHolcim’s first-quarter consolidated net sales rose by 1% year-on-year to Euro4.86bn in 2021 from Euro4.79bn in 2020. Its recurring earnings before interest and taxation (EBIT) doubled to Euro478m from Euro237m. Cement sales volumes grew by 5.5% to 47.3Mt and ready-mixed concrete by 2.7% to 10.1Mm³. The group said that it anticipates growth to accelerate in 2021. It expects to achieve its Strategy 2022 targets one year ahead of time.

During the quarter, the group concluded its acquisition of US-based Firestone Building Products and received an A1+ social, environmental and governance rating from UK-based Vigeo.

China: China Resources Cement’s turnover grew by 51% year-on-year to US$1.1bn in the first quarter of 2021 from US$720m in the same period in 2020. Its profit rose by 16% to US$166m from US$143m. Sales volumes of cement increased by 65% to 18.4Mt and concrete by 80% to 2.87Mm³.

Germany: Cemex Zement, part of Mexico-based Cemex, has bought a 400t/hr floating bucket chain dredger. The company plans to use the vessel in its aggregates operations on the River Elbe around Rogätz, Saxony-Anhalt. It includes a dewatering screening machine, a fine sand recovery system and a conveyor belt that transports the processed sands and gravels ashore. The dredger replaces an older 350t/hr model which has been in action since the mid-1990s. The company said that the purchase is in line with its strategy to enhance its vertically integrated positions near growing metropolises. Elbe operations supply aggregates to produce concrete for the Berlin market.

Central Europe vice president of materials Rüdiger Kuhn said "With this important investment, our company strengthens its position in the metropolitan market of Berlin and secures the long-term availability of valuable mineral raw materials for its customers."

US: Energy company Luminant has awarded Charah Solutions a fly ash management contract extension for its Miami Fort and Zimmer coal-fired power plants in North Bend and Moscow, Ohio. Charah Solutions says that it will pass on the ash for use in concrete production. It will continue to manage the onsite landfill and impoundment operations under its existing contract with Luminant, including material loading, hauling and disposal of approximately 180,000t/yr. In addition, Charah Solutions will be responsible for the beneficiation and utilisation of approximately 400,000t/yr of fly ash. The contract ends in 2027, when both power plants are expected to close.

President and chief executive officer Scott Sewell said “We have been proud to partner with Luminant on its sustainability efforts for many years and are delighted to extend our relationship at these Ohio sites through 2027. We have dramatically reduced the need to landfill fly ash at Miami Fort and Zimmer through our on-going partnership, saving Luminant both expense and valuable landfill space while lowering their risk.” He added “As a result of this expanded agreement, Charah Solutions will continue to provide a reliable supply of high-quality fly ash to ready mix concrete producers in the Midwest, Northeast and deep South through our MultiSource network.”

US: The Conveyor Components Company has launched its new Model BSD belt speed sensor. The unit has overspeed, underspeed and zero speed control settings and can shut down rotating equipment to stop damage. It can be used with various controllers. The supplier says that the sensor’s ain advantages are drilling-free installation and flexibility as to location.