Global Cement News

India: Sesa Mining Corporation has received approval to acquire a 100% stake in Desai Cement. Sesa Mining Corporation, a Vedanta subsidiary, says that the acquisition will enhance its cement portfolio and help it to develop additional synergies through vertical integration.

Iran: The Cement Industry Employers' Association has confirmed that cement plants will store heavy fuel oil to cope with a potential shortage of gas in the winter. The association told the Iranian Labour News Agency that plants had been granted permission to store up to 15 days worth of heavy fuel oil following negotiation with the Ministry of Oil. Fuel storage is a sensitive issue locally due to the potential for misuse in the black market. The cement sector faced gas and electricity shortages earlier in 2021.

Japan: Sumitomo Osaka Cement says it will raise the price of its cement from February 2022 due to rising coal and heavy fuel oil costs. It said that these mounting input prices were leading to ‘significant’ manufacturing and logistical overheads. The cement producer expects that these energy prices will remain high in the foreseeable future. It added that maintenance, labour and carbon neutrality goal costs were also growing.

Thailand: Siam Cement Group (SCG) says that a fire at its integrated Kaeng Khoi plant in Saraburi may affect exports on a temporary basis. The cement producer reported a fire at the site on 29 October 2021. The incident took place in part of a cable tunnel near to the control room at the plant. No injuries to staff were noted and the situation was stabilised quickly. The company said that the fire will not affect domestic cement sales as it has sufficient inventory.

US: The Environment Protection Agency (EPA) has awarded Cemex USA's Miami cement plant its 11th consecutive Energy Star or its on-going energy efficiency and sustainability efforts.

President Jaime Muguiro said "Sustainability and conservation are ingrained in our operations and our business, so we constantly seek opportunities to decrease our energy use and reduce environmental impacts." He added "Our team at our Miami cement plant is helping to set the standard for our industry, demonstrating what can be possible, and we are proud of their ongoing environmental performance and commitment."