Global Cement News

Mozambique: Adil Cement, África Cement Factory, Maputo Cement, National Cement, Limak Cement Factory, Royal Cement and Suneira Cement Fonte have written a letter to the Ministry of Industry and Commerce complaining about ‘unfair’ pricing by Dugongo Cement. They allege that the pricing of their Chinese-backed rival breaks local competition law and has caused harm to their businesses, according to Moçambique Media Online. The price of cement has reportedly dropped by as much as 70% since Dugongo Cement’s new plant opened in May 2021.

Canada/US: Schaeffler has launched Optime, a condition monitoring system, on the Canada and US markets. The supplier says that the system consists of wireless vibrator sensors, a cellular gateway and a dedicated data collection app. The captured information is then processed and analysed by Schaeffler’s proprietary software and models. This can then be used to improve cement producers’ awareness of possible damage to components such as fans, motors and pumps.

Americas regional manager for condition monitoring and Industry 4.0 service solutions Frank Mignano said “With Optime, comprehensive and automated condition monitoring is now a cost-effective proposition for reliability personnel and facility operators.”

Iraq: Joint security forces have repelled militants from the Kubiasa cement plant in Al-Anbar province. Iraqi News has reported that 18 fighters from the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) were killed in the operation. The security forces also detonated four car bombs at the site.

Italy: Taiwan-based Taiwan Cement has successfully acquired a 60% stake in battery and hydrogen power systems supplier Engie EPS for Euro132m. The building materials producer is attempting to become a global supplier in the sector.

US: Hanson Aggregates has purchased 577ha of land near Buckeye, Arizona. The Phoenix Business Journal newspaper has reported that the company will use the land to produce ready-mix concrete and rock products and. Martin Marietta Materials agreed to acquire Germany-based HeidelbergCement’s US West regional business, which included Hanson Aggregates, in May 2021 for US$2.3bn.