Global Cement News

India: Dalmia Bharat subsidiary Dalmia Cement has awarded a contract to payment solutions specialist Paytm for digitisation of its payment processes. United News of India has reported that Paytm will enable customers to use Paytm Wallet, Unified Payments Interface (UPI) and other cashless means in purchasing Dalmia Cement’s products from over 30,000 dealers and retailers across 22 Indian states and union territories, according to the producer.

Head of marketing and executive director Pramesh Arya said, “Dalmia Cement's emphasis on being digital first has helped our dealers and retailers carry out their day-to-day business transactions easily. Paytm has always stood for ease of use and convenience in the world of digital payments. Through this partnership, we aim to help our dealer community accept contactless and secure payments using Paytm Wallet, UPI, debit or credit card and online banking.” He added, “The idea is to maintain social distancing, reduce cash handling and minimise the risk of coronavirus exposure. This partnership is yet another step in Dalmia Cement's pursuit to bring Future Today - our brand credo - to life.”

Spain: LafargeHolcim España has signed an agreement with Carbon Clean, ECCO2 and gas systems specialist Sistemas de Calor for the installation of a carbon capture and storage (CCS) unit at its Carboneras integrated cement plant in Almeria. The company say that the installation will start in 2022 to capture 10% of CO₂ emissions with the eventual potential to capture 0.7Mt/yr of CO₂ and achieve 100% decarbonisation at the plant. The producer will supply the captured CO₂ to Sistemas de Calor for use in agricultural greenhouses, reducing the soil and water intensity of crop production.

Chief executive officer (CEO) Isidoro Miranda said, “Within the framework of our Ecological Transition Strategy, we are tackling climate change through innovative initiatives that allow us to develop low-carbon products and solutions. In our journey towards carbon neutrality, these types of collaborations are key. We hope that, working with our partners Carbon Clean, ECCO2 and Sistemas de Calor, we can develop this innovative circular model with the potential to revolutionise the cement sector and agriculture.”

On 20 November 2019 LafargeHolcim España committed a budget of around Euro20m to upgrades to reduce its cement plants’ CO₂ emissions by 90,000t/yr.

Nigeria: Dangote Cement truck drivers have used their vehicles to block entries to the company’s Obajana cement plant and a public road in protest to alleged illegal employment practices. The Daily Independent newspaper has listed the drivers’ alleged grievances as: salary deductions, including for damage to cement bags; arrests for no reason; and the sacking of 6000 drivers since 2016. The drivers are demanding the removal of National Director Transportation Juan Carlos Rincos and his deputy Babadinga Mohammed.

In response to the situation Dangote Cement said that, “the issues have been resolved.”

Russia: Sberbank has acquired a 100% stake in GFI Investment Limited, owner of Eurocement. RosBusinessConsulting News has reported that the acquisition followed an increase in GFI Investment Limited’s overdue debt to Sberbank in mid-2020. Sberbank in turn reported the largest increase in its overdue corporate loans in its history in July 2020. The bank says it does not have operational control of the group. However, it is reportedly “Looking for a strategic investor” for the asset.

Eurocement is the largest cement producer in Russia operating 10 plants domestically and abroad.

India: Ramco Cements recorded sales of US$301m in the first half of the 2021 financial year, down by 15% year-on-year from US$354m in the first half of the 2020 financial year. Its profit was US$46.4m, down by 4% from US$48.4m.

The company said, “Business operations were severely disrupted during April 2020 in view of lockdown imposed by the government due to Covid-19. After relaxation of restrictions by the Government, business recovered gradually and is continuing with weak demand, especially in urban/semi-urban markets. The company continues to comply with the various operating guidelines issued by the relevant regulatory authorities from time to time. As per the current assessment of the company, there is no material impact on the carrying values of trade receivables, inventories and other financial/non-financial assets.”