Global Cement News

Philippines: Governor Gwen Garcia has called for an investigation into all cement plants in Cebu over environmental and safety risks from large-scale quarrying operations, according to Sugbo News.

The governor called attention to mineral production sharing agreements (MPSAs) granted to companies like Apo Land and Quarry Corporation (ALQC), which cover over 3300 hectares, including populated areas. ALQC supplied materials to Cemex Philippines. Garcia also requested a review of other cement plants, including Solid Earth (owned by Taiheiyo Cement), Mabuhay Filcement and Republic Cement, advocating for stricter oversight.

UAE: A cement plant in Fujairah has halted operations after a malfunction caused thick smoke to rise from the chimney, according to local news reports. The Fujairah Environment Authority conducted an inspection to ensure compliance with environmental regulations and laws. The plant consequently initiated an immediate shutdown and submitted a plan to repair the malfunction and prevent future issues.

India: JK Lakshmi Cement will merge three of its subsidiaries, Udaipur Cement Works, Hansdeep Industries and Trading, and Hidrive Developers and Industries, into its operations. Under the scheme of amalgamation, Udaipur Cement Works’ shareholders will receive four JK Lakshmi Cement shares for every 100 shares held. The merger will ‘simplify the group structure’, making ‘one combined entity focused in the business of cement and cement products’, according to The Business Standard.

Pakistan: December 2024 saw mixed results for cement despatches, according to data published by the All Pakistan Cement Manufacturers Association. Local despatches declined by 5% year-on-year, falling to 3.37Mt from 3.54Mt in December 2023. Overall, total cement despatches for December 2024 stood at 4.15Mt, up by 2% from 4.06Mt year-on-year. For the first half of the fiscal year, total despatches decreased by 4% to 22.9Mt. Domestic despatches saw a significant drop of 10%, totalling 18.1Mt. Exports, however, witnessed a 32% increase, reaching 4.81Mt during this period. In December 2024, exports reached 0.78Mt, a 49% year-on-year increase from 0.53Mt in December 2023.

Ethiopia: East African Holding (EAH) has entered into a memorandum of understanding with the Ethiopian Construction Works Corporation (ECWC) to boost infrastructure development through the supply of cement products from its Lemi National Cement and Dire Dawa plants. The agreement was signed by Biru Wolde, CEO of EAH, and Yonas Ayalew, CEO of ECWC.