Global Cement News

Kenya: Bamburi Cement’s sales increased by 4% year-on-year from US$81.4m in the first half of 2023 to US$84.5m in 2024. The company reported a net loss of US$6.8m in 2024, compared to a net income of US$682,000 in 2023, marking a significant year-on-year downturn.

Zimbabwe: The Zimbabwe National Water Authority (ZINWA) has addressed public concerns about the potential environmental impact of a new US$1bn cement plant being established in Magunje by Labenmon Investments and West International Holdings. Amid fears of pollution to the nearby Kemureza Dam, ZINWA has assured residents that the project will not compromise the water source that serves over 10,000 people.

During an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) consultation in Chinhoyi, ZINWA’s head of corporate communications and marketing, Majorie Munyonga, emphasised that the cement plant will rely on boreholes for its water needs, thereby safeguarding the dam. The project is currently undergoing further EIA stakeholder consultations to integrate community and environmental considerations.

The Herald newspaper has reported that the initiative by Labenmon Investments is expected to generate around 5000 jobs. However, the Zimbabwe National Organisation of Associations and Residents Trust (ZNOART), representing the concerns of Magunje and Hurungwe residents, has petitioned for a reassessment of the site to mitigate any adverse impacts on the local ecosystem, health and livelihoods. It has stressed the importance of compliance with the Environmental Management Act and the Zimbabwe National Water Authority Act.

Uganda: Cement manufacturers have lauded the Uganda Revenue Authority's enforcement of digital tax stamps, citing a significant reduction in counterfeit products in the local market. According to the Uganda National Bureau of Standards, counterfeit goods constitute 58% of the market, posing risks to both consumers and the economy.

Edina Agwata, Sales Manager at Simba Cement Uganda said “We have initiated a price reduction in the market, forcing our competitors to also drop their prices. We are focused on making cement affordable to every Ugandan so that they can build their dream home.”

Cambodia: China-based Jiangxi Provincial Building Material Group plans to establish a cement plant in Cambodia. Company president Wensheng Chen led a delegation on 29 August 2024 to assess investment opportunities, meeting with officials from the Council for the Development of Cambodia (CDC).

Chea Vuthy, secretary-general of the CDC’s Cambodia Investment Board (CIB), said "The CIB’s management and officials look forward to providing all possible arrangements for the company to invest in Cambodia."

Philippines: Republic Cement's resource recovery group, Ecoloop, has diverted 21.4 billion plastic sachets in 2023, equating to 110,000t of discarded materials utilised as alternative fuel in cement co-processing. This marks a 30% reduction in CO₂ emissions per ton of cement, according to The Philippine Star newspaper.

Ecoloop director Angela Edralin-Valencia said "This achievement represents a significant amount of materials diverted from landfills and bodies of water, such as oceans and urban waterways and further underscores Republic Cement’s commitment to environmental stewardship and circular economy principles."