Global Cement News

Colombia: Cemex Colombia plans to source 42,900MWh/yr of renewable electricity for its Caracolita cement plant in Tolima from Celsia's upcoming 20MW solar power plant in Ibague. Upon the solar plant’s commissioning in 2025, this initiative will account for 25% of the cement plant's electricity needs.

Alejandro Ramirez, president of Cemex Colombia and Peru, said "Supplying our main cement plant in Colombia with solar energy will be a decisive step in our strategy to take advantage of renewable sources for cement production in Colombia."

Ricardo Sierra, CEO of Celsia, said "The company has 17 operational solar power plants totalling more than 300MW of installed capacity in Colombia." He added "Celsia’s target is to reach 1GW of photovoltaic projects under construction and development, some of which will deliver power to the grid, and others will benefit various industrial companies."

Saudi Arabia: Southern Province Cement Company’s revenues fell by 12% year-on-year to US$285m in 2023, from $US325m in 2022. The company’s net profit also fell, by 35% from US$80.2m to US$52m.

Azerbaijan: The latest figures from the State Statistical Committee show a 35% year-on-year increase in the value of building materials produced in Azerbaijan, to US$102m in January - February 2024. Cement production notably surged to 546,000t in the two-month period, a 30% increase. However, clinker production fell by 17% year-on-year. The production of ready-mix concrete increased by 60%, but construction lime production dropped by 57%. These trends continued an increase in building materials production from 2023, when it rose by 32% from 2022 levels.

Vietnam: The Vietnamese Ministry of Construction has recommended that Long Thanh Cement receive a mining licence for clay mines T51 and T52 Nui Nghe. The licence allows for an extraction capacity of 1.1Mt/yr of clay. This initiative aims to provide a stable supply of clay materials for the Long Thanh cement plant in Ha Nam province, which is undergoing expansion from 0.91Mt/yr to 2.3Mt/yr. The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment reports that these clay mines have a claystone reserve of 4.33Mt and a sandstone and siltstone reserve of 1.6Mt viable for cement production.

Turkmenistan: On 13 March 2024, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov inaugurated the second phase of the Lebap Cement Plant in the Koitendag district, Lebap province, increasing its production capacity to 1Mt/yr. The first phase has been operational since February 2013. The new facility includes 38 buildings and is designed to meet international standards, including the production of sulphate-resistant cement.

Additionally, the President announced the upcoming launch of the Baherden Cement Plant's second stage in the Ahal province, expected to produce another 1Mt/yr of cement.

Serdar Berdimuhamedov said "Advanced equipment has been installed at the plant, which will help optimise the production process and produce products that are in high demand." He added “Turkmenistan has set a course for industrialisation, import substitution and ensuring the competitiveness of domestic construction products."