Uzbekistan: Cement companies in Uzbekistan produced 9.08Mt of cement from January to July 2024, marking a 34.6% rise year-on-year. In July 2024, production reached 1.33Mt.
Heidelberg Materials Lixhe seeks to expand Romont quarry
Belgium: Heidelberg Materials Lixhe (formerly CBR) has applied to expand the Romont quarry towards Kanne, ensuring the Lixhe plant's operations for the next 20 years with an additional 94.75 hectares. This expansion marks the third and final phase, intending to continue marl extraction on Walloon territory. A public inquiry is scheduled from 16 September - 30 October 2024.
Director Benoit Gastout said "Based on a recent environmental impact report, we are now requesting the partial revision of the regional plan and an environmental permit for the desired extension. We are very aware of the impact of the quarry on the region. That is why we have been taking various measures for years to ensure that Romont is embedded in the landscape as well as possible and that the fauna and flora are respected because of the rich biodiversity. The priority in all of this remains that we want to live in harmony with the local population.”
Stiga invests over €32m in new wood-wool cement board plant
Latvia: Stiga RM is investing more than €32m in a new wood-wool cement board plant in Tukums, expected to complete construction by late 2024 and be operational by the end of 2025. Covering 15,000m2, the plant will create almost 100 new jobs and focus on high-quality wood products, primarily for export markets in Europe, Scandinavia and North America. The plant has a capacity of 4.5Mm2/yr of acoustic wood-wool cement boards. The company has an agreement with SCM Group for the supply and installation of the production equipment at the plant.
Manager Sandis Fogelmanis said "We are pleased that the construction of the new plant is progressing according to plan and, at some stages, is even ahead of the original schedule."
Titan Group to launch sustainability-linked financing framework
Greece: Titan Group has launched a sustainability-linked financing framework, aligning its financial strategy with its greenhouse gas emission reduction targets validated by the Science Based Targets initiative. This framework supports the company's sustainable growth ambitions under its Green Growth Strategy 2026. Future notes will fund general corporate purposes, including sustainable projects and decarbonisation efforts towards Titan’s transition to net-zero emissions.
Chief sustainability and innovation officer Leonidas Canellopoulos said “Transforming the building materials industry towards a more sustainable, net-zero future requires significant investments, with sustainable finance playing a crucial role in this transformation. The framework will enable Titan to attract a broader range of investors, including those focused on sustainable investments and ESG portfolios. Our financial and sustainability strategies are now aligned under a solid framework, further strengthening our stakeholders’ confidence and trust.”


