India: JSW Cement is conducting a pilot project in the use of electric vehicles for cement transportation. The producer has introduced five Murugappa electric cement trucks into its fleet in Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka. It expects these to eliminate 150t/yr of CO₂ emissions from its logistics operations.

Daijiworld News has reported that CEO Nilesh Narwekar said “The pilot project is an important milestone in making our future much greener and more purposeful.” He added “Based on the success of these pilot trials, we will scale-up the integration of these trucks across our cement operations in India.”

UK: Germany-based Heidelberg Materials has introduced customers and investors to Heidelberg Materials UK, its UK subsidiary formerly known as Hanson UK. The latest rebrand signifies increasing collaboration across the group’s geographies as a global business with one voice. Heidelberg Materials UK will launch rebranded packaging for its cement and other products in early 2024 and transition its branding across its sites and vehicles by October 2025.

Heidelberg Materials UK CEO Simon Willis said “The construction sector faces global challenges such as climate change and the digitalisation of our industry; challenges we are better placed to meet as a strong, united group. Having a single brand name and identity sends a clear and consistent message to our increasingly global customers.” Willis added “It will allow us to work together to lead the field in driving down carbon emissions; promote the circular economy by recycling and reusing construction waste; develop digital solutions to provide added value to our customers and develop sustainable and innovative building materials.”

Democratic Republic of Congo: The government banned new imports of cement into the country on 30 September 2023. Local press has reported that the measure aims to protect local cement production and to move the country away from its dependence on imports.

Kongo-Central provincial government spokesperson Anne-Marie Tsasa said “Despite this ban, the circulation and sale of said products is noted in Kongo-Central province. The services working at the borders are invited to fight against this fraudulent practice.”

Uzbekistan/Qatar: Qatar National Cement has been named among businesses that have attended meetings with the Uzbekistan Minister of Investment, Industry and Trade. UzDaily News has reported that the minister is visiting Qatar for talks with his Qatari counterpart, as well as ‘large companies’ from the heavy industry, energy and food sectors. The Uzbekistan government is reportedly evaluating the prospects for joint implementation of large investment projects in priority sectors of the economy.