24 August 2021

Algeria: An Egypt-based investment company has initiated legal action against Algeria over issues relating to two cement plant projects. The Global Arbitration Review newspaper has reported that the company is seeking to claim US$900m in damages.

Nigeria: Lafarge Africa has ranked first on PWR Advisory’s Nigerian Exchange Top 20 companies for gender diversity. 46% of the group’s board seats are female-occupied, up from 40% in 2020.

Chair Adebode Adefioye said “Lafarge Africa's commitment to female representation at the board and management rank and file level is unwavering. Our diversity and inclusion targets, which align with our sustainability strategy, set us apart and are a clear indication of our resolve to continue on this trajectory for more extraordinary outcomes. We remain resolutely committed.”

Canada: Lafarge Canada has supplied the first EcoPact Zero near-zero net CO2 ready-mix concrete in Canada. The subsidiary of Switzerland-based Holcim supplied the concrete to a Habitat for Humanity housing development site in Kingston, Ontario.

Finland: Metso Outotec has launched the Xtreme forged crusher head. The supplier says that this completes the portfolio for Nordberg MP800, MP1000, MP1250, HP800, and HP900 crushers. It is made of one-piece forged material, with geometrical features to assure consistent bearing loading within machine design parameters.

Crushing products senior vice president Chad Smallwood said “Metso Outotec now has a complete range of crusher heads in the portfolio and our customers can choose the level of durability based on their application and needs. The new Xtreme forged head is the most reliable crusher head in the industry. The original equipment manufacturer (OEM) design ensures optimal crushing even where equipment may be pushed beyond design limits.”

US: Cemex USA has announced plans for an upcoming 600,000t/yr aggregates plant in Brierfield, Alabama. The Birmingham Business Journal newspaper has reported that, when operational, the plant will supply the company’s ready-mix concrete operations in the state. The subsidiary of Mexico-based Cemex operates 30 batching plants in Alabaster, Tuscaloosa and Vance.

Mid-South regional president Marc Tyson said “The Brierfield plant gives us a new opportunity to support our existing customers and earn the business of new ones by leveraging the wealth of experience of our team and providing them materials sourced from all parts of Cemex USA's supply chain.”