Mexico: Grupo Cementos de Chihuahua (GCC) has joined other members of the UK-based Global Cement and Concrete Association(GCCA) in committing to carbon-neutral concrete production by 2050. The association launched the ambition in September 2020.

GCC chief executive officer Enrique Escalante said, “Sustainability is an important element of our long-term strategy. GCC is committed to implementing global best practices throughout the organisation while further strengthening the Company’s long-term profitability.”

Canada: LafargeHolcim subsidiary Lafarge Canada, Svante and France-based Total have completed Phase 2 of the CO₂MENT carbon capture and storage (CCS) project at Lafarge Canada’s Richmond cement plant. The completed phase consisted of construction and installation of the CO₂MENT technology to capture and filter the flue gas. Lafarge Canada said that Phase 3, scheduled for construction over the next three years, will include the installation of a liquefaction unit, the development of an expansion project to further reduce emissions and a business case review for further expansion across the Lafarge network

Western Canada president and chief executive officer Brad Kohl said “This has been a turbulent year for business and people due to the Covid-19 pandemic with many large scale projects being put on hold, but the perseverance that the people working at the Richmond cement plant continue to show is evident in the success of Project CO₂MENT.” He added “To continue leading change in the building materials industry means we are always looking to partner with like-minded thought leaders such as Svante and Total. This partnership is showcasing our drive towards a net-zero future, and we are seeing this vision become a reality right now with the completion of this phase.”

Oman: Raysut Cement has held a groundbreaking ceremony for a new 9MW waste heat recovery (WHR) unit at its Salalah cement plant. The Times of Oman newspaper has reported that China-based Sinoma Overseas Development will undertake the engineering, procurement and construction work on the project.

The producer said that the installation “Will contribute significantly to our ambitious targets such as reducing power consumption by 25 - 30%, reducing CO₂ emissions and above all reducing in water consumption by more than 50%.”

India: Residents of Haridaspur in Jajpur District, Odisha, launched a protest on 20 January 2020 outside Ramco Cement’s 0.9Mt/yr Haridaspur grinding plant. The New Indian Express has reported that the people allege that the company has fail to delivered promised local jobs. They also accuse it of failing to provide concrete roads, drinking water, healthcare and lighting. The company said that it has yet to receive a memorandum of the protestors’ request.

Ramco Cements commissioned the Haridaspur grinding plant in late 2020.