Global Cement News

Germany: Denmark-based COBOD has supplied its BOD2 3D construction printer to the site of the world’s first 3D printed commercial apartment building in Wallenhausen, Bavaria. COBOD partner PERI will use the product to print a 380m² complex, consisting of five apartments across three stories.

General manager and founder of COBOD Henrik Lund-Nielsen said, “We are incredibly pleased, that we are beginning to see the fruits of the many 3D construction printers we have sold. The actual building projects have been delayed by the Coronavirus outbreak, but now they start to be revealed. This new German project is really a great milestone as the commercial nature of the building proves the competitiveness of the 3D construction printing technology for three floors buildings and apartment buildings. This, again, opens entirely new markets for our printers.”

Vietnam: The government of Quang Ninh Province has ordered the closure of two cement plants in Ha Long, the 2.0Mt/yr Ha Long cement plant and 2.3Mt/yr Thang Long cement plant, to close in 2030. The Viet Nam News newspaper has reported that the closures aim to protect the local environment and nature as part of the city’s move towards becoming a tourism and service hub centred on Cua Luc Bay. In 2014 the provincial government advised the cement plants to stop expanding and relocate before 2030.

Indonesia: The La Tofi School of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) has named Semen Indonesia as the winner in three categories at the Nusantara CSR Awards 2020. Indonesia Government News has reported that the three categories are: Health and Economic Assistance for Emergency Management of Covid-19, Leaders Inspiring CSR Practices and Community Involvement in Handling Waste.

General manager of CSR Edy Saraya said that the Covid-19 outbreak requires “integrated countermeasures, including the involvement of all components of society.” He added, “Through the programme implemented, we hope to help prevent and control the spread of Covid-19 and to be able to accelerate the implementation of (health protocol) adaptation of new habits. Especially for those affected by the pandemic, it can improve the economy of the community and the environment around the operational area."

Spain: Against a backdrop of the Covid-19 pandemic, staff at Cementos Portland Valderrivas’ Alcalá de Guadaíra cement plant spent the working week of 16 – 20 October engaged in workshops and attending talks as part of the plant’s second annual Healthy Week. Workshops including stretching and health-affective communication, while talks covered areas including balanced diets and quitting smoking. The company says that throughout the week staff competed to offer the Best Healthy Proposal, by developing “ideas to implement actions that reinforce safety within the plant facilities and improve the factory in the field of health.”

Canada: The Royal Canadian Mounted Police’s serious crime unit has launched an investigation into the death of one person at Lafarge Canada’s Richmond, British Columbia integrated cement plant on 19 November 2020. The Vancouver Sun newspaper has reported that the incident caused the plant to be evacuated.

Spokesperson Jill Truscott said, "We are in shock and are extremely concerned about the impact to this individual's family and friends. Steps have been taken to protect all employees on site and the surrounding community."

WorkSafe British Columbia is conducting a separate investigation.