India: The nine-year-old son of an ACC executive has returned home after being kidnapped in Bargarh, Odisha. The child was playing locally on the evening of 2 January 2022 when two men on a motorcycle abducted him, according to the New Indian Express newspaper. They left a ransom note demanding around US$13,400 for his return. Following a search, police found the boy roaming the countryside shortly before midnight on the same day. They believe the assailants abandoned their plans after learning that the authorities had effectively prevented their escape by sealing the local area. The hunt for the suspects continues.

Saudi Arabia: Al Jouf Cement has signed a cooperation agreement with the National Center for the Development of Vegetation Cover and Combating Desertification to rehabilitate vegetation cover. The arrangement is intended to reduce desertification and restore biodiversity in natural environments in line with the country’s 2030 vision. Prince Faisal bin Khalid bin Sultan, Governor of the Northern Borders Region A attended the signing ceremony.

India: ACC has been awarded a five star rating for sustainable mining by the Ministry of Mines. Pralhad Joshiand, the Union Minister of Coal, Mines and Parliamentary Affairs of India, and Raosaheb Patil Danve, the Honourable Minister of State for Ministry of Mines, Coal and Railways, presented ACC with the award at the fifth National Conclave on Mines and Minerals held in Delhi.

The award is a recognition of the company’s efforts towards sustainable mining at the Govari Limestone Mine, the Wadi Limestone Mine, the Gagal Limestone Mine, the Jamul Limestone Mines and the Kymore Limestone Mines from amongst 1029 mines in all over India. The mines were rated from one star to five star on the criteria including: mining methodology; resettlement and rehabilitation issues; community engagement; use of green energy sources, digitisation; and data reporting.

Rajat Prusty, the Chief Manufacturing Officer of ACC, said, “Sustainability is deeply embedded in ACC’s business model. It’s a proud moment for the company to be recognised for its efforts in sustainable mining.”

Bangladesh: Bashundhara Cement has signed an agreement with China-based Fifth Major Bridge Engineering to supply cement for the Dhaka Ashulia Elevated Expressway. The 24km road will connect Shahjalal International Airport to the Dhaka Export Processing Zone, according to the Daily Sun newspaper. Chinese investors will fund 65% of the estimated cost of the project under Preferential Buyer’s Credit. Bangladesh will have to repay the costs within 20 years, with 2% interest rate and a grace period of five years. Bashundhara cement products are also being used in 14 large scale bridge projects, 11 power plants, and water and sewage treatment plants.