Global Cement News

Uzbekistan: United Cement Group subsidiary Qizilqumsement says that it has awarded contracts for the upgrade of Lines 1 and 2 at its Qizilqum cement plant in Navoiy Region. Uzbekistan Newsline has reported that the producer has completed testing to ascertain the lines' parameters of operation, fuel and energy consumption and output. This will inform its decisions, with a view to reducing the cost of clinker production.

Qizilqumsement is currently in the process of building the Qizilqum plant's new 767,000t/yr Line 4, which will also increase its clinker capacity by 657,000t/yr. The producer expects this to lower the cost of its clinker production by 30%.

Brazil: Votorantim Cimentos recorded consolidated sales of US$1.18bn during the first quarter of 2023, corresponding to year-on-year growth of 18%. Its earnings before interest, taxation, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) also rose, by 85% to US$158m. Cement sales volumes fell in Brazil and Bolivia, but rose in Spain. The producer noted 'pressure' from high raw materials, freight and fuel costs in Brazil.

CEO Osvaldo Ayres Filho said "Price management implemented globally to face cost inflation contributed to the positive results in the quarter, despite the still volatile and uncertain scenario in the global economy. The company remains firm and aligned with its strategic plan, financially solid and prepared for the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead."

Colombia: Cementos Argos sold 3.9Mt of cement during the first quarter of 2023, down by 0.6% year-on-year. This contributed to a 12% rise in its consolidated revenues to US$721m. Its earnings before interest, taxation, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) grew by 42% to US$127m.

President Juan Esteban Calle said "In the first quarter of the year we experienced a stable market dynamic in most of the territories in which we are present, sequential improvements in costs, especially in fuels, energy and, in some cases, raw materials and mixed macroeconomic signals that keep us optimistic about medium-term trends." He added "Beyond the constant challenging conditions, we continue to take forceful steps toward our goal of creating value for the company, our investors, customers and other stakeholders."

Canada: Lafarge Canada has renewed its partnership with fuel logistics company 4Refuel to launch renewable diesel use in its operations in Manitoba. The producer says that trucks will run on renewable diesel produced from waste oils and fats. This will eliminate 39% of the producer's Scope 3 CO₂ emissions in the province.

Lafarge Canada's vice president Manitoba and Saskatchewan Tina Larson said "Switching to renewable diesel is a significant step forward in our sustainability journey. We recognise that climate change is one of the most significant challenges facing our planet, and we are committed to doing our part to reduce our impact on the environment. We believe that renewable diesel is an excellent solution to help us achieve our sustainability goals while maintaining the high level of performance that our customers expect.”

Lafarge Canada previously implemented renewable diesel in its operations in Greater Vancouver, British Columbia, in November 2022.

India: Dalmia Cement (Bharat) plans to invest US$560m following the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Assam government on the construction of a new cement plant in the state. The Economic Times newspaper has reported that the producer expects the project to generate a total of 2500 new jobs.

Managing director and chief executive officer Mahendra Singhi said “This year also marks the 10th anniversary of Dalmia Bharat’s manufacturing presence in Northeast India. We remain deeply committed to continuing to be a partner in the region’s economic progress." He continued "The Northeast region has showcased a very forward-leaning mindset, being one of the fastest adaptors of low-carbon blended cement. The penetration of Low Carbon Green Cement is in line with our vision of becoming carbon negative by 2040, and further intensifies our commitment towards the Grey to Green movement.”