Global Cement News

Colombia: Grupo Argos subsidiary Cementos Argos has recycled a total of 7m cement bags since 2013 under its Green Bags recycling initiative. The El Nuevo Siglo newspaper has reported that the recycled bags contained 1000t of paper. In water savings alone, the figure corresponds to 80,200m3 - enough water to supply 472,000 people for a day. 159 commercial customers have so far contributed their used bags. In the Medellín metropolitan area, the programme achieved a bag return rate of 95%.The group overcame coronavirus pandemic-related challenges to recycle 15,900 bags in 2020.

UK: The Global Cement and Concrete Association (GCCA) has launched a video in recognition of the positive impact of women in the cement and concrete industry. The ‘call-to-action’ video also advances gender equality, in celebration of International Women’s Day.

Chief executive officer Dinah McLeod said, “As we help build the sustainable world of tomorrow, ensuring gender balance across all levels will encourage innovation and the forward thinking that we need to meet our climate goals. Our industry contributes to all UN Sustainable Development Goals including gender equality. We encourage more women to enter our industry to help shape its future and tackle the biggest challenge of our time – climate change.”

GCCA gender equality initiatives include the Global Cement and Concrete Industry Women’s Network and ‘Lean in Circles.’ The Women’s Network holds meetings and discussions to bring together women across GCCA member companies. Lean in Circles connects women across its networks in addressing specific issues. Women across the sector are encouraged to join. With these, the association aims to provide support, build confidence and ultimately increase diversity in the sector.

UK: QMJ Group has decided to postpone its Hillhead quarrying and recycling show until 21 – 23 June 2022. It follows review of its plans for 2021 with consideration given to the government’s post-Covid pandemic reopening roadmap. The event was originally planned to take place in June 2021.

Event director Richard Bradbury said, “Under these guidelines, it is clear that the show will not be able to operate legally in June this year. Our priority is to provide the Hillhead experience that our exhibitors and visitors have come to expect but, with the continuing uncertainty around travel restrictions and social distancing measures, this is not achievable in 2021.” He added, “By delaying the show until June 2022, the full benefits of a completed vaccination programme will have filtered through, allowing us to deliver a safe and vibrant event. The team looks forward to welcoming you back to Hillhead Quarry, Buxton, from 21 - 23 June 2022.”

Ghana: CBI Ghana has said that its costs have increased because it has had to import clinker during an on-going local shortage. The Ghana News Agency newspaper has reported that the Supacem cement producer attributes a rise in its cement prices to the cost increase.

Commercial manager Kobby Adams said, “The rising cost of cements is due to the unavailability of some products and these materials are imported in large quantities at exorbitant charges coupled with the unstable and high import charges.” He warned customers against accepting counterfeit products to circumvent the rising prices. “CBI Ghana pledges to continue with the expansion to be able to reach and serve more customers,” he added.

Lebanon: Cimenterie Nationale has announced that it will dispatch its last batch of cement for the foreseeable future on 6 March 2021. The L’Orient-Le Jour newspaper has reported the cause for the stoppage as the exhaustion of stocks of raw materials. The Lebanese government suspended access by cement producers to their quarries in October 2020. The nation’s three cement companies are permitted only to produce cement using clinker or limestone from existing stockpiles.

The company currently has 700 employees. It said that 3500 other jobs depend indirectly on its activities.