Global Cement News

Nepal: The Nepalese government has implemented new cement regulations specifying the minimum compressive strength of 33MPa. The Republica newspaper has reported that this will follow the 1997 Cement Standard in restricting magnesia (MgO) content to 5% and insoluble residues to 2%. Two higher grades will designate cement with compressive strengths of 44MPa and 55MPa.

The government also introduced regulations governing the compression strength, insulation and density of autoclaved aerated concrete (AAC) blocks.

India: France-based Imerys has announced the acquisition of calcium silicate producer Hysil by its subsidiary Calderys Indian Refractories from CK Birla Group for Euro10.1m. SeeNews has reported that the expansion to Imerys’ Indian operations is aimed at securing lower prices for raw materials for use in high temperature insulation in various industries, especially the cement sector.

Bangladesh: Switzerland-based LafargeHolcim’s subsidiary LafargeHolcim Bangladesh announced its intended expansion from cement production into building materials solutions provision at an event marking one year since the completion of its merger with Holcim Cement (Bangladesh). LafargeHolcim Bangladesh CEO Rajesh Surana said, “We will build on strengths of these two most premium and globally reputed companies and provide customers with multiple products and solutions under one umbrella rather than being a mere cement producer.” The Financial Express has reported that the company has a total capacity of 4.2Mt/yr of Supercrete and Holcim brand cement.

Pakistan: Pioneer has announced the completion of a new 3.7Mt/yr integrated cement plant with a 12MW waste heat recovery (WHR) power plant and 24MW coal-fired power plant. It said that production and dispatch would start ‘in due course.’ It commenced construction of the facility in 2017.

Oman: Raysut Cement’s revenue fell by 7.6% year-on-year to US$223m in 2019 from US$241m in 2018. However its profit for the year before tax rose five-fold to US$13.8m and its expenses fell by 12% to US$208m.