Global Cement News

Egypt: The US-based International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID) has ruled in favour of the Egyptian government in a compensation case raised by Spain-based Cementos La Unión concerning its Arabian Cement Company (ACC) subsidiary. The El Economista newspaper has reported that the company sought US$286m in compensation, due to the Egyptian government’s decision to retroactively impose new activity and electricity licences shortly after ACC built a new integrated cement plant in Suez Governorate. Cementos La Unión argued that the additional licences breached a bilateral agreement between Spain and Egypt covering investments that were already in place.

The company said that it will continue to pursue its claim, which is also progressing in Egypt.

Mexico: Cemex subsidiary Cemex Ventures has named its 50 most promising construction and technology start-ups for 2020. The year’s list included 14 suppliers of solutions to increase productivity, 12 developers of new materials and construction methods, 13 innovators in the fields of safety and sustainability and 11 suppliers of supply chain-improving applications.

The company said, “The investment ecosystem in construction startups gained traction and closes the year 2020 surpassing US$1.3bn.” It added, “In 2020, Cemex Ventures is one of the companies that leads investment efforts in the ConTech ecosystem, positioning itself as one of the leaders in the industry.”

Rwanda: PPC subsidiary Cimerwa’s sales grew by 1% year-on-year in the 2020 financial year, in which it recorded earnings before interest, depreciation, taxation and amortisation (EBITDA) of US$16.7m. The producer says that it recovered strongly from a 40-day shutdown of cement production due to a national coronavirus lockdown that started on 22 March 2020, with cement production of 55,000t in July 2020. It also diversified its product range during the period with the launch of its new Sure Range cements.

Chief executive officer (CEO) Albert Sige said, “These results demonstrate Cimerwa’s strong foundation, resilience and great potential. In response to the exceptional situation of the Covid-19 pandemic, the team stepped up to the challenge by putting in place measures to ensure business continuity and protect performance. As the market opened up, we were more than ready to continue supplying our customers and stay on the course of Strengthening Rwanda. We undertook various initiatives that will have long-term positive impact on the business. This includes cost savings initiatives, strengthening the organisation and applying innovation to face new challenges. Cimerwa will emerge from this situation even stronger than before.”

Jamaica: Caribbean Cement has signed a new retroactive three-year collective labour agreement with the Union of Clerical Administrative and Supervisory Employees (UCASE). Under the agreement, employees will receive an 18% pay rise over the three-year period ending on 30 June 2021. The Jamaica Observer newspaper has reported that the deal will also provide a 10% raise in call-out pay, a transportation allowance and scholarships for employees’ children. It also alters the existing profit sharing scheme, housing benefits and loan programmes.

Switzerland: LafargeHolcim has committed to accelerate the impact across its United Nation (UN) Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) activities, and disclose its progress.

Chief Sustainability Officer (CSO) Magali Anderson said, “As we celebrate the fifth anniversary of the Paris Agreement, it is more important now than ever for companies and governments to unite around climate action and the SDGs. That’s why we set ourselves the most ambitious 2030 climate targets in our industry, joining the Business Ambition for 1.5°C. Decarbonising business is vital, but it’s not enough. We are accelerating our overall commitment to the SDGs to build a world that works for people and the planet.”