Global Cement News

Turkey: Total cement exports raised nearly US$1bn in revenue in 2020. Tamer Saka, the chief executive officer (CEO) of Turk Cement, told the Anadolu Agency that the country exported 30Mt in 2020 making it the world’s second largest cement exporter. He added that the local sector has a production capacity of 100Mt/yr. "The sector has been selling cement to important big projects in the US and they prefer Turkey because of both price and quality,” said Saka.

Switzerland: The Federal Council has noted a report stating that, without extensions to raw material extraction licences, domestic cement production is set to decline by 36% from 2024. The Agence Télégraphique Suisse has reported that local producers are already restricted by limited legally available limestone and marl reserves. At present the local cement sector provides 86% of Switzerland’s 5Mt/yr domestic cement demand. The report by the Swiss Geological Survey states that acceptance of all proposed mining expansion projects in 2023 would delay the projected decline until the end of 2030.

Sri Lanka: Insee Cement has extended the concessionary rate for its Sanstha cement product for current and former Sri Lankan armed forces personnel. The Daily FT newspaper has reported that the company first launched the scheme in August 2020.

Insee Cement chairman Nandana Ekanayake said, "We are thrilled to be offering Sri Lanka's most loved homebuilding cement brand Sanstha to all armed forces personnel island-wide.” He continued, “It was important for us to show all servicemen - those active, retired or disabled - our appreciation, as a mark of respect and gratitude for the sacrifices they have made for us, especially during these difficult times."

Pakistan: Lucky Cement has won an award for use of modern technology to control fire accidents and save lives at the Fire and Safety Awards 2020, organised by the National Forum of Environment and Health. The Frontier Post newspaper has reported that the company is an ISO-9001, ISO-45001 and ISO-14001 certified health and safety leader. The cement producer’s chief operating officer (COO) Amin Ganny said, “At Lucky Cement, we ensure a safe and secure environment for all of our employees and stakeholders associated with our business operations directly or indirectly.”

Colombia: Mexico-based Cemex has increased its stake in subsidiary Cemex Latam Holdings to 93% from 73%. Citigroup Global Markets acted as advisor and Corredores Davivienda acted as intermediary broker for the offer.

The group said, “Through the offer, Cemex is simplifying and strengthening its overall capital structure by further consolidating its indirect interest in CLH.