Denmark: FLSmidth has announced the signing of a takeover agreement with mineral processing digital solutions specialist KnowledgeScape. No value for the acquisition has been disclosed.

Chief Digital Officer (CDO) Mikko Tepponen said, “The addition of KnowledgeScape’s advanced solutions to FLSmidth’s already robust digital ENABLR portfolio will deliver an expanded and exciting range of benefits to cement industry customers, from increased automation to improved reliability and enhanced productivity, increasing the total output of plants by 4% - 10%. At the same time, their solutions reduce power, water and reagent consumption, contributing significantly to the goals of FLSmidth’s MissionZero sustainability strategy.” He added, “With this acquisition, FLSmidth reinforces a strong track record of integration with a special emphasis on the retention of local talent.”

India: The city corporation of Mysore, Karnataka and non-governmental organisation (NGO) Susthira have announced plans to set up a waste building materials recycling plant. The Projects Today newspaper has reported that the corporation has purchased a 20,000m2 site in the suburb of Kuppalur on which for Susthira to build and operate the plant, which will process waste cement slabs and concrete bricks from construction and demolition sites.

Denmark: Novo Holdings has reduced its stake in FLSmidth to 4.8% from 10%. The equipment supplier said that the investor now holds 2.46m of its shares.

Spain: The Andalusian Labour Foundation for Cement and the Environment (FLACEMA) has announced the shortlist for the Award for the Best Communication on Sustainable Development in the Andalusian Cement Industry 2019 - 2020. The jury will select a winner from 19 articles by 13 writers, published between 1 January 2019 and 31 May 2020, taking into account “aspects such as the journalistic quality of the piece, its rigour and provision of data, the sources consulted and the investigativeness of the work” in highlighting the regional cement industry’s commitment to “principles such as sustainable development and the circular economy.”

FLACEMA said, “Due to Covid-19, 2019 – 2020 presents a novel situation. As such, the jury has especially taken into account those works on sustainable development in the industry that address initiatives designed to combat the outbreak.”

The jury announces the winner of the Euro2000 prize and runner-up for the Euro1000 prize on 1 November 2020.