Saudi Arabia: Riyadh Cement has awarded Tianjin Cement Industry Design and Research Institute a US$14.9m contract for the implementation of its ‘Light House’ project, which aims to improve the efficiency and sustainability of its operations. The contract has a duration of 24 months. The Chinese company will deploy digital technologies, automation, industry 4.0 applications, AI, advanced data analytics and process optimisation, as well as implement predictive maintenance and other solutions to improve energy efficiency.

The financial impact of the project will be reflected in Riyadh Cement’s financial results according to the implementation phases of the contract, with the operational and financial benefits expected to be realised progressively throughout the project period.

Russia: The Sebryakovcement plant in the city of Mikhaylovka was the target of suspected drone strikes that took place overnight on 15 September 2026, according to The New Voice of Ukraine. Explosions hit the plant, belonging to one of Russia’s largest cement producers, following regional missile and drone alerts. Footage posted to social media showed thick smoke rising over the plant, and an explosion was reported near one of the plant’s kilns, which emergency services attended. An oil refinery was also hit. Local officials have not yet confirmed the extent of the damage or reported any casualties from the attacks.

Romania: Holcim is preparing to invest more than €3.5m at its Valea Pravăț plant in Argeș county, as part of a project that aims to incorporate construction and demolition waste into the cement manufacturing process. The investment will go towards an installation designed to store, dose and transport crushed concrete from demolition works. 

The investment is expected to be carried out between September 2026 and April 2027 and is part of the plant’s ongoing modernisation and efficiency improvements.

Armenia: Economy minister Gevorg Papoyan said that the current shortage in the cement market is due to disruptions in supplies from neighbouring countries. Ararat Cement is reportedly operating at maximum capacity, after coming under state management recently.

Papoyan posted to social media “In August [2026], Ararat Cement produced 95,300t of cement, about 16,000t more than in July 2026 and over 26,000t more than in June 2026. Ararat Cement exists today and continues to operate as a factory entirely thanks to decisions by the government and the National Assembly, under which, starting in 2019, we imposed a duty on imported cement. Had we not made this strategic decision years ago, there would be no cement at all on our market today.”

As part of proceedings to confiscate ‘property of illicit origin,’ according to PanArmenian news, Ararat Cement was transferred to the management and custody of the Armenian government after a decision by the Anti-Corruption Court.