Kuwait: Kuwait Cement has hired Belgium’s Magotteaux to modernise three of its cement mills. The project consists of closing the open circuit with fourth generation XP4i separators, installing new mill internals components, including diaphragms, and adapting a new ball charge gradation. The aim of the project is to increase the production rate, reduce the specific energy consumption and improve the product quality, by reducing the residue on 45μm by keeping the same Blaine value.

Afghanistan/Uzbekistan: Uzbekistan’s Almalyk Mining and Metallurgical Complex (AMMC) has started exporting cement to Afghanistan. A trial consignment of Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) was despatched from the company’s new 1.5Mt/yr Sherabad cement plant in Surkhandarya, according to the Trend News Agency. It intends to export 0.5Mt/yr to Afghanistan. As part of a contract signed with the Hamid Company just under 1000t of cement has been sent by train to Mazar-i-Sharif.

Uzbekistan: Qizilqumsement has started building a US$110m upgrade to its Qizilqum cement plant. The project is intended to increasing the plant’s clinker production capacity and decrease energy costs. It is scheduled for completion in 2020.

France: LafargeHolcim France has started the second phase of a Euro100m upgrade project its Martres-Tolosane cement plant. It is starting the construction phase of a new production line following the completion of site preparation and civil engineering. French company Boccard is coordinating the work. Commissioning of the upgrade is scheduled for mid-2020.