Global Cement News

Vietnam: The General Statistics Office (GSO) has estimated total domestic cement production in the first eleven months of 2020 of 90.0Mt, up by 3.4% year-on-year from 87.0Mt in the corresponding period of 2019. The Viet Nam News newspaper has reported that November 2020 production reached 9.1Mt, up by 4.6% year-on-year from 8.7Mt in November 2019.

In 2019 Vietnam’s full-year cement production rose by 7.9% to 96.5Mt.

India: Police have fired warning shots after protesters outside LafargeHolcim subsidiary ACC’s Sindri cement plant in Jharkhand threw stones at them, according to the Pioneer newspaper. Sub-divisional manager Satyendar Kumar’s officers made three arrests. Residents of Dhanbad district are reportedly protesting a lack of local jobs. ACC had been in talks with local people when the disturbance broke out.

China: The Bauma China 2020 trade fair took place from 24 - 27 November 2020, attracting 2867 exhibitors and a total of 80,000 trade visitors from China. The oragnisers said that in spite of the Covid-19 pandemic, the exhibition was able to take place across a 300,000m2 area, thanks to a “sophisticated safety and hygiene concept.” It said, “In these difficult times, Bauma China 2020 gave the entire industry a reason to enter the coming fiscal year with confidence and hope.”

Ethiopia: Denmark-based FLSmidth says that its contract with Abay Industrial Development Share Company for engineering, procurement and supervision on the upcoming Dejen cement plant is now effective. The 5000t/day plant will cost US$120m and create new 300 jobs, according to the supplier. It said that the plant will “play an important role for the development of local infrastructure.”

The supplier is responsible for design and engineering, full equipment supply, automation systems, installation and commissioning, as well as training and extended supervision. Key deliveries are due to begin in late 2021.

FLSmidth president Carsten Riisberg Lund said, “We are happy to see the contract now in effect. Following months of challenging working conditions on sites around the world, we are eager to get started on the project. This contract once again underlines our position as the preferred supplier of sustainable and productivity-enhancing solutions to the global cement industry."

Indonesia: Semen Indonesia has signed a memorandum of understanding with rail freight company Kereta Api Indonesia (KAI). Indonesia Government News has reported that the memorandum covers a planned increase in cooperation on rail-based transportation and medium and long-term land leases, the conduct of joint studies into railways and infrastructure and the development of other forms of potential cooperation.

President director Hendi Prio Santoso said, “This cooperation is a synergy to complement each other and provide the best results for both parties. Through the synergy that exists today, it is hoped that it can be more optimal in taking advantage of every opportunity, so that it can further contribute to the company, Badan Usaha Milik Negara (BUMN) and the Indonesian nation.” He added, “Today is the first step in a joint commitment. Hopefully, this cooperation can run smoothly and in accordance with our goals, expectations and planned target time.”