Canada: A court has fined Lafarge Canada US$145,000 for a dust spill from its Bath, Ontario, cement plant in October 2019 that 'covered' homes, gardens and cars. The court found that the emission 'caused or was likely to cause adverse effects.' The Belleville Intelligencer newspaper has reported that the Canadian Ministry of Environment previously concluded that no harm to health resulted from the incident.

Plant manager Ignacio Arroyo said "Myself and our plant team unreservedly apologise for the upset and concern that our dust release has caused all of you. We intend to make it right and make sure it never happens again."

Egypt: Researchers at the University of Cairo have used nanomaterials from agricultural wastes to produce biocement with 'increased strength and durability' compared to ordinary Portland cement (OPC). The study employed microbially induced calcite precipitation (MICP) with the addition of carbon nitride nanosheets and ash from waste maize cobs. Besides its improved physical performance, the researchers also found that their biocement offers improved endurance against water permeability.

Mexico: The National Cement Chamber (CANACEM) has established a collaboration agreement with the State Congress of Jalisco. Under the agreement, the parties will collaborate towards the reduction of CO2 emissions from the cement sector in the state. Local press has reported that the collaboration will include studies, projects, proposals and legal initiatives.

The state government said that the cement sector drives economic development and supports 20,000 jobs through its vital part in the construction industry.

UK: Breedon Group's sales were Euro1.57bn in 2022, up by 13% year-on-year from Euro1.39bn in 2021. Its earnings before interest and taxation (EBIT) rose by 16% to Euro166m from Euro143m. The group increased its cement volumes by 9.1% during the year, to 2.4Mt from 2.2Mt.

Breedon Group said "The outlook for the cement market is positive, underpinned by large ongoing infrastructure projects in the UK. In Ireland, housing and infrastructure are supported by the government’s development plans to accommodate a rapidly growing population."

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