Pakistan: Pakistan has approved seven new cement plants backed by US$700m in investment following approval by the Special Investment Facilitation Council, according to Pakistan Today. The approvals were issued in coordination with the Punjab government, resolving regulatory delays affecting the projects. Companies that received approvals were Flying Cement, Lucky Cement, Bhutta Cement, Asian Precious Minerals, Orient Cement, Dandot Cement and Maple Cement. No details regarding capacity or location of the plants were disclosed.

Officials said that the new plants will increase domestic cement production capacity, support exports and reduce reliance on imports. The projects are also expected to create jobs and support related sectors including logistics and infrastructure.

Thailand/Iran: One of two vessels belonging to Siam Cement Group has departed the Strait of Hormuz, following diplomatic engagement between Thailand, Oman and Iran to secure safe passage, according to the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow paid an official visit to Oman to seek assistance in coordinating with Iran over the safe passage of nine Thai vessels that still await transit through the Strait. The ministry said that it would continue to monitor the vessel’s journey and provide further updates once it arrives in Thailand. No details were released regarding the ship or its cargo.

France: Heidelberg Materials has ignited the rotary kiln at its modernised Airvault cement plant. The line has produced its first clinker and has now entered the final commissioning phase. The project was completed 1289 days (3.5 years) after the first stone was laid, and the company said that it used 18,000t of steel and 38,000m³ of concrete to build the upgraded production line.

The plant is reportedly designed to increase the use of alternative fuels to around 90%, reducing reliance on fossil fuels. The site will now progress with the planned GoCO₂ carbon capture project.

Ireland: Irish Cement has commissioned a 1MW rooftop solar installation at its Platin Works plant. The project involved installing solar arrays across two buildings on site, with the electricity generated used to support the plant’s operations. The company said that the project will support its decarbonisation goals by increasing the use of renewable energy.

Environmental manager James Weir said “Ireland’s solar output is highly seasonal due to longer daylight hours with around 70% of annual solar electricity generated from April to September. We are looking forward to seeing how well the panels perform over the summer.”