Global Cement News

US/Austria: RHI Magnesita (RHIM) plans to acquire Resco Group for US$430m. The acquisition of Resco will add fireclay and pyrophyllite-andalusite mining operations in the US to its existing magnesite and dolomite operations across Europe, the US, Brazil and China. Furthermore, RHIM aims to transfer ‘significant’ production volumes from non-US plants to Resco's US facilities. The completion of the acquisition is anticipated in the second half of 2024.

Philippines: Cemex Philippines has launched a new 1500m² warehouse in Barangay Pangao West, Batangas, to improve its supply chain capabilities and meet the growing demand for construction materials in the region. This opening coincides with the Philippine national government's allocation of US$17.7bn for infrastructure development in 2024. The facility will support major development projects in Batangas, Quezon, and provide nearby provinces with cement. The Ibaan Warehouse operates 24 hours a day, providing staging areas for the loading and dispatch for cement products.

Luis Franco, president and CEO of Cemex Philippines, said "This warehouse is a great complement to our Luzon distribution network as it gives us a better position to address increasing cement demand in the market."

Global: The World Cement Association (WCA) has recently welcomed Refratechnik Asia as an Associate Corporate Member. Refratechnik Asia supplies refractory materials to the cement and lime industries in China, Southeast Asia, and Oceania. The firm produces 120,000t/yr of refractory materials.

Ian Riley, CEO of the World Cement Association, said "We are keen to see Refratechnik Asia promote its value-orientated culture within our organisation and its commitment to driving greener practices in the cement and wider construction industry.”

Switzerland: Cement production fell to 786,000t in the first quarter of 2024, representing a year-on-year decrease in volume of 8%. Cemsuisse attributes this decrease to ongoing challenges in planning construction projects amidst uncertainties in interest rates, energy prices and supply chain stability.

Kenya: President William Ruto has commissioned a Cemtech clinker plant in Sebit, West Pokot, valued at US$345m. Construction of the plant began in 2010 and it will produce 6000t/day of clinker with a cement capacity of 2Mt/yr. After production, the clinker will be transported to a grinding plant in Eldoret.

Mining Principal Secretary Elijah Mwangi said "The production is enough feed for all cement plants in the country. The demand for this critical material will now be met with the excess available for export." The opening of this plant is a ‘major relief’ for cement companies in Kenya, which have historically had to import 60% of their clinker. Currently, National Cement and Mombasa Cement manufacture clinker, while Bamburi Cement, Savannah Cement, Rai Cement, and Ndovu Cement import it.

Located at the Sebit limestone mines in Kipkomo subcounty, the plant has generated over 2000 job opportunities.