Canada: Climate tech startup CURA is collaborating with Aecon Group to test, validate and pilot its low-carbon cement, which it claims can reduce emissions from production by as much as 85% compared to ordinary Portland cement. The electrochemical process removes CO₂ from limestone before kiln use. The company says that the cement is produced at cost parity or below the price of conventional cement with lower emissions.

CURA expects to produce 1.6t/yr of the product at its University of Calgary laboratory by the end of March 2026 and to scale the pilot to 100t/yr by the end of 2026. Aecon will conduct material validation and concrete failure testing and build a prototype, followed by a flagship project in 2027-2028. CURA is raising US$8m in seed rounds to fund the pilot and a 30,000t/yr demonstration plant targeted for 2028.

France: The front end engineering design (FEED) phase has been launched for Lafarge France’s eCapt-Rhône du Teil project at its Le Teil white cement plant, following the signing of an agreement with Air Liquide, according to a social media post by the producer. During this stage, detailed technical studies, cost estimates and specifications will be completed for the planned CO₂ capture installation at the plant, which is scheduled to come online in 2029.

The facility is designed to capture 200,000t/yr of CO₂. The captured CO₂ will be transported by rail to the Roches-Roussillon platform in Isère, where it will be combined with renewable hydrogen and converted by Elyse Energy into 150,000t/yr of low-carbon e-methanol. This volume reportedly represents around 20% of French market demand.

Colombia: Fitch Ratings upgraded Cementos Argos’ long-term national ratings on its ordinary bond and commercial paper issuance programmes of up to US$170bn and US$113bn to AAA(col) with a stable outlook. The upgrade reportedly reflects a robust capital structure, a strong business position in key markets and ample liquidity following receipt of funds from the sale of its US operations. The company reduced gross debt by US$250bn since December 2023.

“This rating recognises the strengthening of our financial structure and supports our long-term vision. We will remain focused on creating economic value for our shareholders, with disciplined capital allocation and an optimistic outlook for the future of the company,” said Juan Esteban Calle, president of Cementos Argos.

North Korea: North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has called for ‘all-out’ efforts to boost cement production during a visit to the Sangwon Cement Complex in North Hwanghae Province on Monday 1 March 2026, according to state media. The visit followed the conclusion of the ninth congress of the Workers’ Party of Korea, which outlined policy goals for the next five years.

Jong-un said "The complex has since exceeded the peak-year level on an annual basis, helping us move forward step by step with greater confidence and opening up possibilities to successfully carry out huge projects. Let us make an all-out effort again for the good of our great country and advance forward vigorously.”

The plant has a production capacity of 2Mt/yr and has supplied cement for large-scale construction schemes in North Korea, including efforts to build 50,000 flats in Pyongyang. The inspection marked Kim’s first visit to an industrial site since the party congress, at which he announced that more construction projects would be carried out nationwide.

Kim Jong Un was reported by local press as giving instructions with a 'relaxed demeanour and expression' and smoking a cigarette.