India: Shiva Cement will merge with JSW Cement, part of JSW Group, in a move that will create a ‘single unified cement platform’ and unlock operational, financial and management synergies, according to The Economic Times. Shiva Cement is currently a listed subsidiary of JSW Cement. As per the scheme, JSW Cement will issue five equity shares of face value US$0.10 for every 41 equity shares of face value US$0.02 held in Shiva Cement to the shareholders of Shiva Cement.

The scheme is subject to receipt of requisite approvals from the stock exchanges, the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT), and other statutory and regulatory authorities, including shareholders and creditors. JSW Cement currently holds a 66.23% share in Shiva Cement. The company has a cement grinding capacity of 24.1Mt/yr. The transaction is expected to be completed within 12‐14 months.

Armenia: The temporary ban on cement imports to Armenia will be lifted, according to a decision made at a government meeting on 1 October 2026. The restriction was originally imposed for six months, from 23 July 2026 to 23 January 2027. At the same time, cement imports were regulated by licensing and a state duty of US$22/t. The government said that due to logistical problems, cement imports have become more expensive, and delivery times have increased. The current restrictions have reportedly affected the balance of supply and demand and created an ‘unequal playing field’ for product sales. The government hopes that lifting the ban will help balance the market and ensure the necessary supplies.

Kenya: Bamburi Cement is seeking a contract to supply more than 1Mt/yr of cement and concrete products for Dangote’s planned petroleum refinery in Lamu. Bamburi’s Mombasa plant is expected to support deliveries to the project site. It said that the civil and related construction works for the refinery are expected to consume about 1Mt/yr of cement products. Bamburi is expected to provide its DuraCem 42.5-grade cement for large-scale and marine construction works associated with the refinery.

US: Ash Grove Cement’s Seattle plant will not be allowed to burn more tyres as alternative fuel. The news comes years after the company applied for a permit from the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency to burn more tyres in its kiln, according to The Seattle Times. Ash Grove was required to conduct an emissions test as part of its permit to address concerns from nearby residents about emissions, according to regulatory documents. Ash Grove conducted the tests in June and August 2026, which reportedly showed that emissions of cadmium increased after more tyres were burnt, leading to the decision. Prior to the results of the emissions test, over 500 community members and 30 local businesses signed a campaign led by the advocacy group Duwamish River Community Coalition, which opposed the burning of more tyres.

In a statement, Ash Grove spokesperson Carolina Lucaroni said that the facility will comply with its permit obligations and is committed to ‘operating in full compliance with regulatory requirements.’ “We appreciate the collaborative review process and will continue exploring opportunities to advance our sustainability objectives while meeting environmental and community expectations,” Lucaroni said.

“The power of community won out in this situation where we asked for proper testing, the agency added it and as a result our lived experience … rang true,” said Mia Ayala-Marshall, a clean air program manager with the coalition.