Nigeria: Lafarge Africa has reported an increase in sales and net income for the second quarter ending 30 June 2024. Sales rose from US$66.7m in the second quarter of 2023 to US$99.5m in the same period in 2024, representing a year -on-year increase of 49%. Net income also increased, from US$12.9m to US$15.2m, a year-on-year increase of 18%.

Iran: Head of the Iran Cement Association Hamid Farmani reported a 10% decline in Iran's cement production to 76Mt in the year ending 19 March 2024, reports The Tehran Times. Association member Ali-Akbar Alvandian also noted that cement exports fell to 10.5Mt during the period of 21 March 2023 - 21 December 2023, from 13Mt in the previous corresponding period. Annual production is calculated at 90Mt, 60Mt of which is used domestically. 13 white cement projects in the country are currently semi-finished, and if completed will lead to a capacity increase of 8.8Mt/yr.

Farmani said “We predict that in the coming years, the per capita consumption of cement in Iran will approach advanced and developing countries, and the consumption will increase from about 800kg per person to 2000kg per person.”

Jamaica: Caribbean Cement has recorded a profit of US$15m for the end of its second quarter, a year-on-year increase of 9% from the US$13.8m in the same period in 2023. Six-month earnings reached US$27m. Revenue also rose by 3% to US$49.2m. The company will undertake its annual maintenance in the current July – September quarter and expects fluctuating demand due to prevailing weather conditions. The company is continuing its expansion programme to boost production capacity by up to 30% and reduce its carbon footprint.

India: Ambuja Cements will invest US$190m to establish a 6Mt/yr grinding plant in Warisaliganj, Bihar. The project is scheduled in three phases, with the first phase of 2.4Mt/yr costing US$131m, according to the company. The plant has secured environmental clearance and land allocation for potential future expansions, The Telegraph India reports. The project will reportedly create 250 direct jobs and 1000 indirect jobs and will contribute US$30m/yr to Bihar’s economy. It is targeted for completion by December 2025.

Pranav Adani, director of Adani Enterprises, said “This investment aligns with the state government’s development programmes and our growth plans. The cement industry is witnessing healthy volumes due to the government’s infrastructure thrust, and Ambuja Cements is well positioned to support sustainable infrastructure development in the country.”