US: Holcim subsidiary Geocycle has signed a multi-year contract with Louisville Gas and Electric and Kentucky Utilities to market fly ash produced by the power generation companies. Geocycle and Holcim will use to up to around 225,000t/yr of fly ash to produce blended cement products.

Sophie Wu, Head of Geocycle North America, said “In line with Geocycle’s commitment and passion for recycling and achieving a net zero future, we are honoured to partner with Louisville Gas and Electric and Kentucky Utilities to develop creative and efficient solutions that contribute to the circular economy.” She added, “Together we’ll be able develop blended cementitious materials, reduce CO₂ levels and further encourage carbon neutral construction.”

Australia: Italy-based Bedeschi has started a new subsidiary in Australia. Bedeschi Australia’s head office is based in Perth with satellite offices in Port Hedland and Brisbane. The company is intended to target the mining, port and agricultural sectors. Uwe Zulehner has been appointed as the chief executive officer of Bedeschi Australia.

US: Kosmos Cement has ordered a mobile ship unloader from Sweden-based Bruks Siwertell for use at its terminal in Pittsburgh in Pennsylvania. The product is designed to discharge vessels up to 5000dwt and has a continuous rated cement handling capacity of 300t/hr. Delivery is planned for the spring of 2023.

US: Prometheus Materials’ microalgae-based biocement has secured certification for use in concrete masonry unit (CMU) mixes. The cement now holds an ASTM C129 certificate for use in non-loadbearing CMUs and an ASTM C90 certificate for use in loadbearing CMUs. Prometheus Materials’ biocement produces concrete with comparable or superior mechanical, physical and thermal properties to ordinary Portland cement (OPC)-based concrete. It offers little-to-no CO₂ emissions and 95% of water used in production is recycled.

Prometheus Materials CEO Loren Burnett said “We are thrilled to have achieved these two foundational certifications as we proceed in full force with our goal of decarbonising construction. Prometheus Materials’ product is poised to change the future of construction, converting one of the most carbon-polluting industries to a low-carbon – and one day net-zero carbon – reality.”