Global Cement News

India: The Satna District Office of Collector (Mining) has fined Birla Corporation US$1m for its excess extraction of limestone between 2001 and 2007.

Birla Corporation said “The company did not take environment clearance due to the ambiguity in the provisions of Environmental Impact Assessment Notification 1994, which was only clarified subsequently by the principles laid down in the common cause judgement of the Supreme Court dated 2 August 2017. However, the company had valid consent to operate the mines from State Pollution Control Board. The company remains committed to ensure compliance with all applicable laws. The company is reviewing the order and evaluating the next steps in this matter.”

El Salvador: Holcim El Salvador says that its first electric cement truck will enter operation at its El Ronco cement plant later in 2023. Local press has reported that this will reduce the plant’s carbon footprint by 560t/yr. The El Ronco plant is the subject of an investment in renewable energy infrastructure to cover 21% of its electricity consumption. The company is also investing in circular economic practices with a view to achieving net zero CO₂ emissions.

Holcim El Salvador chief executive officer Rodrigo Gallardo said "We are building more with less, incorporating recycled materials into our production processes, giving them a second life in order to use only what is necessary and thus contribute to preserving our planet." He added “We are building progress for people and the planet, with the vision of making sustainable construction affordable for everyone. The future of construction in El Salvador is being transformed, and we are proud to be leading the way, as we have done for the past 74 years."

Pakistan: The Ministry of Energy (Petroleum Division) is preparing a proposal for a ‘significant’ rise in gas tariffs in Pakistan. The Energy Update newspaper has reported that the rise will affect gas prices in the cement sector, besides other industries. The government aims to reduce the natural gas sector’s debts from US$10.5bn as part of a deal with the International Monetary Fund.

France: Lafarge France has hired Leclanché to upgrade its pusher tugboat Marsouin to a diesel and electric hybrid propulsion system. The supplier will install a 766kWh 65 Ah Navius MRS-3 battery system in the vessel, which operates mostly on the River Seine.

Lafarge France river operations manager Kevin Audegond said "The retrofit of our Marsouin pusher is the first stage in an ambitious programme to modernise our entire fleet by 2030, which will make it possible to transport our materials more ecologically and reduce our environmental impact in the long term.”

US: Ash Grove Cement plans to build a new cement mill at its cement plant in Durkee, Oregon. The project is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2024. The upgrade is intended to allow the plant to manufacture low-carbon cement products.

Serge Schmidt, the president of Ash Grove Cement, said "The transition to low carbon cement production and reducing our environmental footprint is a top priority for Ash Grove Cement. We are always seeking new ways to improve our sustainability performance while providing high-quality cement solutions to our customers. This state-of-the-art finish mill at our Durkee plant will strengthen Ash Grove's position as a leader in low-carbon cement across the Western US."