Japan: Researchers from the University of Tokyo have developed a new method for producing cement-free concrete from sand. The method reacts sand with alcohol in the presence of a catalyst, according to ChemEurope. When dehydrated, this produces tetraalkoxysilate. The research team then reintroduced water, and thus allowed the reactants to move back and forth between tetraalkoxysilate and sand. In this way, the sand particles progressively bonded together. The resulting concrete is reportedly more resilient to chemical, temperature and humidity changes than concrete produced from Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC).

In the report of the findings, researcher Ahmad Farahani wrote that various sources of sand tested suitable for use, including silica sand, glass beads and simulated moon sand. This gives the method the advantage that it is non-specific to raw materials or locations, and can be integrated into waste management.

Spain: Cementos Cosmos and the Cooperativa Apícola del Bierzo have installed 25 bee hives at the Corullón quarry, which supports the integrated Toral de los Vados plant in Leon. The collaboration agreement aims to promote the production of honey, propolis and pollen. The hives will be cared for by the Bierzo Beekeeping Cooperative and the adaptation and maintenance of the land where they will be located will be carried out by Cementos Cosmos. The cement company will also become the preferred customer for the production of the beehives located in the quarry. Following the signing of the agreement plant director Jaime Santoalla said, "we are convinced of the coexistence and synergies between our industry and other sectors of Bierzo, such as the agricultural-food sector.”

UK: The Global Cement and Concrete Association (GCCA) has expanded its Innovandi innovation programme with the addition of a new Open Challenge innovation accelerator programme. The Open Challenge programme will bring together start-ups and leading cement and concrete producers to innovate for CO₂ emissions reduction in the cement industry. Its aim is carbon neutral concrete production by 2050.

GCCA chief executive officer Dinah McLeod said “The GCCA is delighted to be expanding Innovandi to encompass both the Research Network and the upcoming Open Challenge. By connecting innovative start-ups with cement and concrete producers we can help accelerate the development of solutions that address the emissions reduction challenges our industry faces.”

Ghana: Italy-based Bedeschi has been awarded a contract to supply and install cargo handling equipment for the Port of Takoradi. The project includes the supply of handling equipment and services for importing clinker and exporting bauxite and manganese. Bedeschi will supply five conveyor belts with a total length of 3km, two type 50/1400 A frame shiploaders and one eco-hopper. The shiploaders and the eco-hopper will be delivered fully erected from the supplier’s shipyard directly to the client jetty with a dedicated heavy lift vessel.

The project will adhere to ‘state of the art’ environmental standards with the use of dust collection and de-dusting system specifically designed for this application. All the conveyors will be closed, included the section where tippers and eco hoppers are in operation. Bedeschi will also provide the computerised control system too. No value for the contract or date of commissioned has been released.