Georgia: Hunnewell Cement, a subsidiary of HeidelbergCement Georgia, has launched a new project to use tyres as an alternative fuel at its Kaspi cement plant, with support from the Georgian government. The project has a budget of US$2.1m, and is expected to create additional job opportunities. It marks a shift from the use of coal and natural gas at the plant, to ‘significantly’ reduce environmental impact and contribute to sustainable development.

Economy minister Levan Davitashvili said "Our goal is to minimise environmental pollution from ‘waste’ while promoting economic development and creating added value.”

Pakistan: Dewan Cement reported a profit after tax of US$329,000 for the quarter ending June 2024, marking a 47% year-on-year decline compared to US$619,000 earned in the same period in 2023. Despite a significant improvement in gross margins, the company recorded a net loss of US$1.83m for the full financial year 2024, slightly less than the US$2.11m loss in the financial year 2023. Quarterly sales rose by 3.4% to US$19.14m, with gross profit increasing significantly by 106.5% to US$1.06m in the quarter.

India: Orissa Bengal Carrier has entered into a three-month contract to transport coal and petcoke for Shiva Cement, a subsidiary of JSW Cement, effective until 31 December 2024. The company has not disclosed the value of the contract.

Bangladesh: Confidence Cement is building a new 1.8Mt/yr cement grinding plant at Narsingdi. The project has an investment of US$68m, according to the Daily Star newspaper. Germany-based Loesche is reportedly supplying equipment for the unit, which is scheduled to start operation in early 2025. Around two-thirds of the project cost is being supplied by loans with the rest coming from company equity.

Confidence Cement currently operates a 1.2Mt/yr grinding plant near Chattogram.