Morocco: LafargeHolcim Morocco plans to open its new 1.6Mt/yr plant in Souss-Massa region in July 2021. The project has a budget of around US$330m. The unit is located 45km southwest of Agadir. As part of the group’s ‘plant of tomorrow’ concept it is intended to use automation technologies, robotics, artificial intelligence and predictive maintenance to improve its production efficiency. The plant is also planning to use wind power and alternative fuels. The company has also built new roads to support the plant as well as installations to establish a local drinking water network for neighbouring villages.

Nepal: Cement producers are unable to fully exploit increased demand following the coronavirus outbreak’s decline due to problems accessing reliable electricity. The Kathmandu Post newspaper has reported that outages and reduced power have stopped production for some companies and led to increased costs. Brij Cement has reportedly resorted to diesel generators, increasing cement’s production costs by US$0.26/bag.

Brij Cement’s general manager Ravi Kumar said, "It is difficult to run a factory without regular electricity supply. And even if there is power supply, it keeps fluctuating, causing problems."

Pakistan: Maple Leaf Cement has commenced operations at clinker line 3 of its Iskanerabad cement plant following a modification to increase capacity. The Dawn newspaper has reported that the plant now has a capacity of 18,500t/day of grey clinker, up by 3% from 18,000t/day previously.

Germany: Opterra has started a public consultation process about expanding the limestone quarry for its integrated Wössingen cement plant near Walzbachtal in Baden Württemberg. The move follows the plant’s quarry at Lugenberg reaching its approved perimeter to the east. The subsidiary of Ireland-based CRH plans to find a location for a new quarry to open from around 2030. The company also wants to conduct exploratory drilling in the region for additional limestone deposits.