CemNet.com | Daily news for the cement industry

Cessa investing US$25m to increase production capacity

Fri, 18 Jul 2008 00:00:00 +0100

El Salvadorian cement company Cessa will invest US$25m this year in its Maya

Holcim’s high hopes for Oamaru, New Zealand

Fri, 18 Jul 2008 00:00:00 +0100

Holcim NZ is confident it has the corporate and community support for a proposed $300-$400 million Oamaru cement plant to complete the project by 2012, despite a near doubling of the original cost.

Pakistan cement exports hit record high

Fri, 18 Jul 2008 00:00:00 +0100

Pakistan cement exports after earning a historical level of US$435m foreign exchange during financial year 2007-08

Holcim Romania 1H08 turnover up 20 per cent

Fri, 18 Jul 2008 00:00:00 +0100

The Romanian unit of Holcim said its turnover rose by 20 per cent YoY in the first half of 2008

Cement makers likely to slash capacity by 8% this year

Fri, 18 Jul 2008 00:00:00 +0100

ACC, UltraTech Cement and other Indian cement makers may cut capacity utilisation by as much as eight per cent in the financial year ending March 2008

Vietnam: cement producers seek broader markets

Fri, 18 Jul 2008 00:00:00 +0100

Cement producers in Vietnam are beginning to seek more export markets as a total of 38 new cement plants are expected to open in the next few years, according to Construction Minister Nguyen Hong Quan

Cement factory to be opened at Karibib, Namibia

Thu, 17 Jul 2008 00:00:00 +0100

Karibib Portland Cement (KPC) is set to invest N$1.8bn in a cement plant and a mine 12km northeast of Karibib.

Gulf Cement plans to start operations by March 2009

Thu, 17 Jul 2008 00:00:00 +0100

Gulf Holding Company (GHC) is implementing the third and final phase of its subsidiary Gulf Cement factory

Rwanda cement factory plans expansion to meet demand

Thu, 17 Jul 2008 00:00:00 +0100

Rwanda’s only cement factory plans to build a new production line expected to increase output by 500 percent, a company official said on Wednesday.

Colombia’s Argos transfers US$91m to its US unit to repay debt

Thu, 17 Jul 2008 00:00:00 +0100

Colombia’s largest cement maker, Cementos Argos SA, will transfer US$91m to its US unit so it can pay outstanding debt, Argos said in a filing with the securities regulator.

Huaxin Cement to launch 1.2Mta cement project in Sichuan

Thu, 17 Jul 2008 00:00:00 +0100

Huaxin Cement Co is to construct a cement project with annual output of 1. 2Mt in Wanyuan city, China’s southwest Sichuan Province. Investment in the project will hit CNY700m.

India: ACC may invest in ready mix concrete businesses

Wed, 16 Jul 2008 00:00:00 +0100

Associated Cement Companies (ACC) plans to double its number of readymix concrete units to 46 this year.

TPI Polene expects to beat 2008 forecasts

Wed, 16 Jul 2008 00:00:00 +0100

TPI Polene, Thailand’s third largest cement firm, said on Tuesday it expected higher second-quarter and full-year net profit.

Cement prices in Pakistan hit record high

Wed, 16 Jul 2008 00:00:00 +0100

Cement prices of various cement brands in Pakistan have hit a record peak of

Birla exects to inspect defunct cement plant in Sri Lanka

Wed, 16 Jul 2008 00:00:00 +0100

A team of officials from India’s Aditya Birla group is to visit Sri Lanka Wednesday with the aim of inspecting the site of a defunct northern cement plant the Indian group wants to invest in.

Cement production up by 3.5% to 1.6Mt in June

Tue, 15 Jul 2008 00:00:00 +0100

Ukrainian cement production rose 3.5% in June 2008 compared with June 2007, to 1.56Mt.

UAEs Ministry of economy reaches price agreement on cement

Tue, 15 Jul 2008 00:00:00 +0100

The UAE Ministry of Economy Monday announced the list of cement outlets and agents who have agreed to sell cement at AED18 (US$4.91)

US house starts not expected to rebound until 2010

Tue, 15 Jul 2008 00:00:00 +0100

Housing starts in 2008 are expected to be 36 percent lower than 2007 levels, creating three straight years of declines.

Algeria, Iran sign EUR220m cement plant deal

Tue, 15 Jul 2008 00:00:00 +0100

Iran and Algeria signed an agreement to build a cement plant at a cost of EUR220m in the north African country, the head of the Algerian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CACI)

India cement-makers’ profits set to slump

Tue, 15 Jul 2008 00:00:00 +0100

The Indian cement industry is set to see some tough times, according to the Business Standard of India, with margins likely to fall further in the June quarter.

Venezuela stake in cement makers will be defined in August

Tue, 15 Jul 2008 00:00:00 +0100

Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez decreed the nationalization of foreign-owned cement companies last April and stressed that the government would own at least 60 per cent of the shares in each firm.

Inteco seeks buyer for its cement stake, Russia

Tue, 15 Jul 2008 00:00:00 +0100

Inteco, owned by Elena Baturing, is seeking a buyer for its stake in the cement business.

Brazils June cement sales rise 13.9% YoY

Tue, 15 Jul 2008 00:00:00 +0100

Cement sales in Brazil rose 13.9% in June compared with the same month last year, to 4.21Mt, according to figures Monday from the National Cement Industry Association (SNIC).

Chinese cement prices up 3.12% in June

Tue, 15 Jul 2008 00:00:00 +0100

Prices of ordinary Portland cement reached CNY 321/t, inching up 1.9% from the previous month. Those of Portland slag cement reached CNY 369/t, 3.07%; and those of compound Portland cement, CNY 302/t,

Konya invests TRY 1.1m in Mersin facility, Turkey

Mon, 14 Jul 2008 00:00:00 +0100

Turkish cement producer Konya Cimento is to invest TRY 1.09m in a ready-mix concrete plant, located in the city of Mersin

ETA Star to build cement plant at Ras Al Khaimah, UAE

Mon, 14 Jul 2008 00:00:00 +0100

Gulf News reported that Dubai based reported that ETA Star Group, a property developer and construction company, will be investing US$150m

Gresik to spend more for investment projects

Mon, 14 Jul 2008 00:00:00 +0100

State-owned cement maker PT Semen Gresik said it may spend 15 per cent-20 per cent more than US$1.22bn it previously estimated to finance its investment in the next five years.

Thailands Siam City Cement 2Q08 earnings to be flat YoY

Mon, 14 Jul 2008 00:00:00 +0100

Siam City Cement (SCCC) is expected to report a 2Q08 net profit of Bt942m, flat YoY but down 7.1% QoQ.

Italy Italcementi wins wind farm licence in Turkey

Mon, 14 Jul 2008 00:00:00 +0100

Italcementi has won a licence for the construction of a wind farm in Turkey.

Iraq opens state firms to foreign investors

Mon, 14 Jul 2008 00:00:00 +0100

Iraq hopes by year-end to conclude production sharing deals with foreign firms to renovate 35 major state industries

Ciments du Maroc borrows US$274m for new plant

Mon, 14 Jul 2008 00:00:00 +0100

Moroccan cement producer Ciments du Maroc signed a MOD2bn (US$274m) loan agreement with five banks to help finance a new factory due to start production in March 2009, the company said.

Indonesia’s H1 cement consumption rises 21 per cent

Mon, 14 Jul 2008 00:00:00 +0100

Indonesia’s cement consumption during the first half of 2008 surged 21 per cent from a year ago supported by growing construction activities,

Siam Cement: healthy 1H08, but weak prospects for 2H08

Fri, 11 Jul 2008 00:00:00 +0100

SCC’s 2Q08 earnings should be better than earlier expectation due to improving margins for cement and

India June cement shipments up 8.7 per cent YoY

Fri, 11 Jul 2008 00:00:00 +0100

Cement shipments in India rose 8.7 per cent in June from a year ago, data from the Cement Manufacturers’ Association showed.

TXI Reports Fourth Quarter and year-end results

Fri, 11 Jul 2008 00:00:00 +0100

TXI today reported financial results for the quarter and year ended May 31, 2008.

Spanish cement sales plummet as housing bubble bursts

Fri, 11 Jul 2008 00:00:00 +0100

Cement sales in Spain, where a decade-long housing and construction boom has come to an end, fell 16 per cent in the first half of the year

Cimpor to increase Brazilian production capacity

Fri, 11 Jul 2008 00:00:00 +0100

Brazils third largest cement manufacturer, Portuguese Cimpor, is planning to invest BRL400m (US$248mn)

Shree Cement June shipments up 27.7 per cent YoY

Thu, 10 Jul 2008 00:00:00 +0100

Shree Cement said on Wednesday its June shipments rose 27.67 per cent to 609,000t from 477,000t a year earlier.

First step in major railway plan opens, UK

Thu, 10 Jul 2008 00:00:00 +0100

A new hi-tech building has been officially opened as part of a UK£15m rail investment programme at LafargeCement’s Hope Works.

India Cements to set up four new plants

Thu, 10 Jul 2008 00:00:00 +0100

India Cements Ltd is poised for expanding its cement manufacturing facilities in northern part of the country

Campulung modernisation complete, Romania

Thu, 10 Jul 2008 00:00:00 +0100

Holcim Romania has completed the modernisation of the Campulung-based cement plant in a project worth a total of EUR120m, resulting in a 30 per cent rise in production capacity

Congo to get second cement factory

Wed, 9 Jul 2008 00:00:00 +0100

The South Korean company, Eco Cement, plans to invest CFA51bn in the construction of a second cement factory in Madingou,

Mysore Cements’ Indian, overseas partners end pact

Wed, 9 Jul 2008 00:00:00 +0100

Mysore Cements Ltd said on Monday the agreement between its Indian joint venture partners and its overseas holders has been terminated on July 3.

Vietnam: City gov’t to regulate retail activities on essential goods

Wed, 9 Jul 2008 00:00:00 +0100

The municipal government will keep a close eye on the prices of essential goods subject to the Government’s price stabilisation politicies, according to a city official.

Saudi cement capacity set to touch 50Mt by 2009

Tue, 8 Jul 2008 00:00:00 +0100

Saudi cement industry has benefited from the increasing demand, with the industry’s average growth reaching 8.4 per cent in 2007.

ACC Cement Technology Institute opened in Chhatisgarh

Tue, 8 Jul 2008 00:00:00 +0100

The ACC Cement Technology Institute (ACTI) was formally inaugurated today. Located near the companys Jamul plant in the Durg district

Lafarge create excellent cement centre

Tue, 8 Jul 2008 00:00:00 +0100

Lafarge Cement UK have invested UK£3.5m in transforming their Cauldon Works in the Staffordshire into a ’centre of excellence’ for innovative packed products.

Lafarge wins EUR130m cement works contract in Himachal Pradesh, India

Mon, 7 Jul 2008 00:00:00 +0100

Lafarge is one of two firms to win approval to invest US$170m each to build new cement plants in Indias Himachal Pradesh state

Binani Cement plans supply pact with builders

Mon, 7 Jul 2008 00:00:00 +0100

Binani Cement, the flagship company of Binani group, is considering long-term bulk cement supply

Sagar plans 1Mt plant in Tanzania

Mon, 7 Jul 2008 00:00:00 +0100

Sagar Cements, a mid-sized Andhra Pradesh-based cement company, is planning a 1Mt plant in Tanzania.

Taiwan Cement to expand Yingde plant in Mainland China

Mon, 7 Jul 2008 00:00:00 +0100

Taiwan Cement International, a subsidiary of the Taipei-based Taiwan Cement Corporation and listed on

Bahrain: cement depots planned

Mon, 7 Jul 2008 00:00:00 +0100

Bahrain will set up warehouses to stock large quantities of cement, to avert a repeat of the crisis that has crippled the country’s construction industry.

Prosperity Minerals FY pretax profit US$59.3m vs US$45.9m

Mon, 7 Jul 2008 00:00:00 +0100

Prosperity Minerals Holdings said Monday that full year pretax profit was US$59.3m, compared to US$45.9m the previous year.

Andhra to account for 40% cement production in three years

Mon, 7 Jul 2008 00:00:00 +0100

With 14 new cement plants in the pipeline and 24 existing ones in the process of expanding capacity,

Cemex to raise Mexico cement prices by five per cent

Mon, 7 Jul 2008 00:00:00 +0100

Cemex plans to increase its local cement prices by an average of five per cent starting on Monday

Prakash Industries to invest INR4.85bn in cement unit

Fri, 4 Jul 2008 00:00:00 +0100

Prakash Industries Ltd said on Friday it has signed a deal with the government of the central Indian state of Chhattisgarh to set up cement and clinker plants at an investment of INR4.85bn.

Exports to Romania may cause shortage to Bulgaria market

Fri, 4 Jul 2008 00:00:00 +0100

Unregulated cement exports to Romania may trigger a shortage on the Bulgarian market, Todor Kostov, executive director of cement,

GCC to start limited operations at new plant, US

Fri, 4 Jul 2008 00:00:00 +0100

A new cement plant being built by Grupo Cementos de Chihuahua (GCC) of Mexico will start limited operations next week,

Thailand’s Siam Cement: seasonally softer results QoQ

Fri, 4 Jul 2008 00:00:00 +0100

Siam Cement is expected to report a 2Q08 net profit of Bt6.4bn, down 27.5% YoY and 10.2% QoQ.

Shanshui Cement says IPO retail tranche 2.15 times subscribed

Thu, 3 Jul 2008 00:00:00 +0100

China Shanshui Cement Group Ltd, the country’s second largest cement maker, said the retail tranche of its initial public offering (IPO) in Hong Kong

China’s Sinoma suspends Union contract

Thu, 3 Jul 2008 00:00:00 +0100

Sinoma International Engineering Co Ltd said it has suspended a cement production line construction contract with Union Cement Company

India’s Aditya Birla June cement shipments up five per cent

Wed, 2 Jul 2008 00:00:00 +0100

India’s Aditya Birla Group said on Wednesday its cement shipments in June rose five per cent from a year earlier to 2.58Mt.

Cement prices to rise in some parts of India

Wed, 2 Jul 2008 00:00:00 +0100

Cement prices are likely to go up by Rs3 per bag in Mumbai, Gujarat and the southern markets from Monday.

Coal price hike to hurt Pakistan cement sectors earnings

Wed, 2 Jul 2008 00:00:00 +0100

Pakistan cement manufacturers are seeking an increase in prices in the wake of rise in international coal prices by 139 per cent during financial year 2008.

Gaza to get cement for first time in a year

Wed, 2 Jul 2008 00:00:00 +0100

The Gaza Strip on Wednesday was to receive cement shipments for the first time in a year as Israel reopened border crossings that shut down.

Adelaide Brighton buys concrete business

Wed, 2 Jul 2008 00:00:00 +0100

Adelaide Brighton Ltd has spent US$81m buying concrete products business Hanson Building Products Pty Ltd (HBP)

Holcim to invest US$100m in Colombia to boost cement output

Wed, 2 Jul 2008 00:00:00 +0100

Holcim Ltd plans to invest more than US$100m in Colombia to boost its output of cement, the company said Tuesday in a statement.

CRH spends EUR740m on first half acquisitions

Wed, 2 Jul 2008 00:00:00 +0100

CRH has spent EUR740m in the year to date on acquisitions and is indicating a pre-tax profit for the first six months of around EUR600m, compared with EUR670m last year

Holcim Romania to boost production by 30 per cent

Tue, 1 Jul 2008 00:00:00 +0100

The Romanian unit of Swiss cement producer Holcim said it has recently completed a EUR120m project to modernise its cement plant in Campulung

Gresik fires Rizal Ramli over alleged link to violent protests

Tue, 1 Jul 2008 00:00:00 +0100

The shareholders of state-owned cement producer PT Semen Gresik have fired president commissioner Rizal Ramli,

Credit crunch slows India expansion plans

Tue, 1 Jul 2008 00:00:00 +0100

Costlier raw material and tight credit conditions have slowed down Indian cement companies ambitious

EIB loan for Derba Midroc cement factory, Ethiopia

Tue, 1 Jul 2008 00:00:00 +0100

Derba Midroc Cement company (DMC) in Ethiopia has benefited from a EUR29m loan from the European Investment Bank (EIB).

Lafarges valuation trimmed on likely slowing demand

Tue, 1 Jul 2008 00:00:00 +0100

Aseambankers Equity Research has adjusted its price target for Lafarge Malayan Cement Bhd given a cloudy outlook on demand despite higher selling prices of cement.

Anil Singhvi to set up cement business at Reliance Natural

Mon, 30 Jun 2008 00:00:00 +0100

Anil Singhvi, former managing director of Ambuja Cements, has joined Anil Ambani’s Reliance Natural Resources (RNRL) as its vice-chairman.

Holcim to establish training facility in Switzerland

Mon, 30 Jun 2008 00:00:00 +0100

Holcim said it has commissioned a new training centre in the Swiss town of Holderbank.

Brazil: Votorantim expands cement distribution

Mon, 30 Jun 2008 00:00:00 +0100

Votorantim Cimentos, engaged in a R$2bil cement capacity expansion investment to add 8Mta by 2010,

Egyptian companies in talks on cement plant in Sudan

Mon, 30 Jun 2008 00:00:00 +0100

Two Egyptian companies have said they are in talks with the Sudanese armed forces on the feasibility of building a cement factory in Sudan.

Thailand price rise to counter-balance cost hike

Mon, 30 Jun 2008 00:00:00 +0100

During January-April 2008, domestic cement sales volumes in Thailand dropped to 9.2Mt, down 5.0% YoY

Holcim scoops up ACC shares to cement control

Fri, 27 Jun 2008 00:00:00 +0100

Holcim is increasing its stake in Indian cement producer ACC through open market purchases in an attempt to get majority ownership of the company.

Cement firm Bolu Cimento to establish plant in Zonguldak

Fri, 27 Jun 2008 00:00:00 +0100

Bolu Cimento is to establish a cement grinding facility in the industrial zone in the city of Zonguldak in the Black Sea region.

Iran to build cement plant in southern Krygyzstan

Fri, 27 Jun 2008 00:00:00 +0100

Iran has announced plans to build a cement factory in Tash-Kumyr, in the south of Kyrgyzstan. This will be the third building materials factory in that region.

Semen Gresik 1H Net Likely +40% On Yr

Fri, 27 Jun 2008 00:00:00 +0100

PT Semen Gresik’s first-half net profit will likely grow 40% on year to IDR980 billion on higher sales,

India: rising coal import bill to make cement dearer

Fri, 27 Jun 2008 00:00:00 +0100

The continuous rise in international coal prices and an anticipated increased supply may cause further

Anhui Conch Cement eyes western China investments

Thu, 26 Jun 2008 00:00:00 +0100

Anhui Conch Cement Company Limited will focus on investments in western China in the next five years.

Dubai-based group to set up cement plant

Thu, 26 Jun 2008 00:00:00 +0100

A Dubai-based business group will set up a cement manufacturing plant named Galadari Cement (Gulf) Limited, near Karachi,

Uzbekistan to build six more cement plants

Wed, 25 Jun 2008 00:00:00 +0100

Uzbekistan is planning to build six more cement plants with total value of US$1.415bn in 2008-2012,

Bahrain supply problems persist

Wed, 25 Jun 2008 00:00:00 +0100

Bahrains construction industry is still experiencing supplies that are too limited to meet demand.

Trinidad Cement planning to maintain prices until year-end

Wed, 25 Jun 2008 00:00:00 +0100

Trinidad & Tobago-based cement manufacturer Trinidad Cement Limited (TCL) will not increase its prices in the short-term,

Escom sets up JV in Angola to build EUR130m cement plant

Wed, 25 Jun 2008 00:00:00 +0100

Grupo Espirito Santo’s Angolan holding company Escom has set up a joint venture with Brazilian company Camargo Correa to build a

Lao cement plant to increase production capacity

Wed, 25 Jun 2008 00:00:00 +0100

The 1st Lao Cement Plant is to increase production capacity amid the surge in high demand of domestic market.

Nigeria’s Dangote signs US$1.8bn new cement deals

Wed, 25 Jun 2008 00:00:00 +0100

Nigerian industrial conglomerate, Dangote Group concluded a US$1.85bn financing deal on Tuesday to build four new cement plants in West Africa.

Ontrack to make decision, New Zealand

Tue, 24 Jun 2008 00:00:00 +0100

ONTRACK will now make the final decision on whether its branch railway line from Waiareka through Weston will reopen.

Russian co starts building cement plant in Ulyanovsk Region

Tue, 24 Jun 2008 00:00:00 +0100

Russian company Ulyanovskshifer has started building a cement plant at a cost of

Holcim Romania 2007 net profit down 34.5 per cent YoY

Tue, 24 Jun 2008 00:00:00 +0100

The Romanian unit of Holcim said its net profit fell by 34.5 per cent YoY to RON114.5m (US$48.3m) in 2007, due

Philippine demand for cement down in first five months

Tue, 24 Jun 2008 00:00:00 +0100

Philippines demand decreased slightly during the first five months of this year, resulting in an oversupply of cement in the local market.

Binani Cement set to buy African firm

Tue, 24 Jun 2008 00:00:00 +0100

Binani Cement is close to acquiring an African cement company for around US$100m.

Vietnam cement prices fall

Tue, 24 Jun 2008 00:00:00 +0100

Vietnam’s cement prices have fallen sharply following Government measure to stabilise prices.

Vicat, Sagar Cements form venture to build cement plant, India

Tue, 24 Jun 2008 00:00:00 +0100

French cement maker Vicat said it has formed a joint venture with Sagar Cements to build a cement plant at Gulbarga in the Indian state of Karnataka, India.

Pakistani cement in demand in South Indian markets

Mon, 23 Jun 2008 00:00:00 +0100

Pakistani cement is making way into South Indian markets where its demand is rising. Media reports quoting an official of the Kerala Cement Dealers Association

Eurocement to start building RUB10bn Voronezh Reg plant

Mon, 23 Jun 2008 00:00:00 +0100

Russias Eurocement Group plans on June 26 to start building a cement plant in the Voronezh Region at a

Titan America LLC maker plans to expand operations in South Norfolk, US

Mon, 23 Jun 2008 00:00:00 +0100

Titan America LLC plans to expand its cement terminal along the Elizabeth River’s Southern Branch onto an adjacent parcel of about 7 acres, company officials said

Bahrain-Turkey to discuss cement import

Mon, 23 Jun 2008 00:00:00 +0100

Bahrain could soon be importing construction material from Turkey, particularly cement

Indonesia’s Semen Gresik Jan-May cement sales up 12 per cent

Mon, 23 Jun 2008 00:00:00 +0100

Indonesia’s biggest cement producer by sales volume, the state-run PT Semen Gresik Tbk, said on Monday its cement

Lafarge expands in North Africa

Mon, 23 Jun 2008 00:00:00 +0100

Lafarge has bought a 35 per cent stake in the Meftah cement plant in Algeria for EUR43.5m, as part of privatisation process.

Venezuelan govt officially takes over cement industry

Fri, 20 Jun 2008 00:00:00 +0100

The Venezuelan government adopted a decree on Thursday nationalizing the cement industry, giving the state ownership of firms controlled by Holcim, Lafarge and Cemex.

Barbetti buys stake in Turkish producer

Fri, 20 Jun 2008 00:00:00 +0100

Sanko Holding signed a partnership agreement with Italian Barbetti and agreed to sell its 30 per cent stake in cement producer unit Cimko Cimento

FLSmidth wins contract for greenfield cement plant in Angola

Fri, 20 Jun 2008 00:00:00 +0100

FLSmidth has won a contract worth approximately EUR 100m to supply machinery and equipment for a new 4200tpd production line

Spanish cement consumption drop not relevant for Portugal Cimpor

Thu, 19 Jun 2008 00:00:00 +0100

The drop in the cement consumption in Spain will not have any importance for the activities of Portuguese cement producer Cimpor

Saudi 2008 cement outlook

Thu, 19 Jun 2008 00:00:00 +0100

Saudi Arabias total cement output is expected to rise to 43.6Mt in 2008 and 49Mt in 2009, according to a report of local BMG Financial Advisors). The figure stood at 31Mt in 2007.

Indonesia May consumption surges

Thu, 19 Jun 2008 00:00:00 +0100

Indonesias cement consumption surged 23 per cent to 3.57Mt in May from a year ago amid brisk construction activity during the period, an industry official said.

Votorantim expands cement production

Wed, 18 Jun 2008 00:00:00 +0100

Strong demand for cement in the North and Midwest regions of Brazil are leading Votorantim Cimentos,

Pakistan cement exports reach 11 month high

Wed, 18 Jun 2008 00:00:00 +0100

Pakistan cement exports have touched an all-time high of 137.2 per cent to 6.63Mt during 11 months of current fiscal year 2007-08 compared to 2.80Mt same period last year.

Venezuelan court approves cement takeovers

Wed, 18 Jun 2008 00:00:00 +0100

On 17 June Venezuela’s Supreme Court of Justice approved the nationalisation of the country’s cement industry, which was decreed by President Hugo Chávez in early April.

Karnataka govt. gives nod for Chettinad Cement’s Kallur plant

Wed, 18 Jun 2008 00:00:00 +0100

The Karnataka Government has given its ’go ahead’ signal for Chettinad Cement Corporation Ltd. to put up a 2.5Mt cement plant at Kallur village in Gulbarga district.

Has gov’t scrapped Limbe cement factory, Cameroon?

Tue, 17 Jun 2008 00:00:00 +0100

The Government of Cameroon has been cited in the delay of construction of the Limbe Cement Factory that was supposed to begin last April.

Giovanni Ferrario new president and COO of Ciments Francais

Tue, 17 Jun 2008 00:00:00 +0100

Following yesterdays announcement that Rodolfo Danielli has resigned from position of President and chief operating officer of Ciments Francais

Federal Government of Nigeria grants five import licences

Tue, 17 Jun 2008 00:00:00 +0100

The Federal Government yesterday granted six firms new permits to import and produce cement locally.

Spain cement sales fall on rain, housing crisis

Tue, 17 Jun 2008 00:00:00 +0100

Sales of cement in Spain fell 12.4 per cent from January to May after one of the wettest springs in memory

Cemex provides guidance for second quarter 2008

Tue, 17 Jun 2008 00:00:00 +0100

Cemex announced today that it expects EBITDA for the quarter ending June 30, 2008 to be close to US$1.4bn,

Pakistani cement highest taxed worldwide’

Mon, 16 Jun 2008 00:00:00 +0100

Aizaz Mansoor Sheikh, Chairman, All Pakistan Cement Manufacturers Association, has said that the increase in taxes

Ciments Francais President, COO Resigns

Mon, 16 Jun 2008 00:00:00 +0100

French cement company Ciments Francais, a unit of Italy’s Italcementi SpA, Monday said its president and

BNP Paribas in US$40m cement loan

Mon, 16 Jun 2008 00:00:00 +0100

Qatar National Cement Company said it has signed a loan agreement with BNP Paribas for a term loan of US$40m to cover the remaining cost for parts of Plant 4 and other projects in progress.

Lifeline for new cement factory, Bahrain

Mon, 16 Jun 2008 00:00:00 +0100

Investors of a new cement factory in Hidd have been thrown a lifeline after councillors agreed to reconsider a decision taken nine months ago to reject it.

Cement and steel costs to come down, Kenya

Mon, 16 Jun 2008 00:00:00 +0100

Finance minister, Amos Kimunya has proposed a raft of measures aimed at bringing down the cost of construction materials.

India’s Binani Cement to invest in China plant

Mon, 16 Jun 2008 00:00:00 +0100

Binani Cement Ltd of India plans to invest US$100m more into the Chinese cement company Shandong Rong’an Group,

Suez Cement supports the National Project for Housing

Mon, 16 Jun 2008 00:00:00 +0100

As part of its social responsibility strategy, today Suez Cement representatives signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Minister of Housing, H.E. Eng. Ahmed el- Maghraby.

India May cement shipments up four per cent YoY

Mon, 16 Jun 2008 00:00:00 +0100

Cement shipments in India rose four per cent in May from a year ago to 14.85Mt, the Cement Manufacturers’ Association (CMA) said on Friday.

Holcim strengthens ready-mix concrete and aggregates businesses in Spain

Fri, 13 Jun 2008 00:00:00 +0100

Holcim Spain has agreed to acquire 100 per cent of Tarmac Iberia S.A.U. from Anglo American plc, London

Vietnam: Ministry bans new cement making licences

Fri, 13 Jun 2008 00:00:00 +0100

Vietnams Ministry of Construction has told several provinces to stop granting investment licences for new cement plants from now until 2015.

Pakistan cement prices rise, but anticipated to come down soon

Fri, 13 Jun 2008 00:00:00 +0100

After an increase in excise duty Pakistan cement manufacturers have raised the cement prices by Rs 12 to Rs 15 per bag.

Bahrain taking action to ease cement crisis

Fri, 13 Jun 2008 00:00:00 +0100

Bahrain is taking urgent action to break the cement crisis which has crippled the country’s construction industry.

’New plants coming onstream will stabilise cement prices’

Fri, 13 Jun 2008 00:00:00 +0100

Dubai: The price of steel has more than doubled in the last seven months, affecting the UAE’s construction sector. But the good news is that cement prices are due for a correction

Brazils cement sales may rise 12.7% YoY

Fri, 13 Jun 2008 00:00:00 +0100

Cement sales in Brazil rose 12.7% in May from the same month last year, to 4.167Mt

UAE’s Union Cement eyes using coal as fuel

Thu, 12 Jun 2008 00:00:00 +0100

Union Cement Co said on Wednesday it is considering using coal to fire one of its kilns instead of natural gas or heavy fuel.

Talks with Saudi on cement supply soon

Thu, 12 Jun 2008 00:00:00 +0100

Prime Minister, Shaikh Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, yesterday reviewed with senior government officials the impact the shortage of cement and other building materials on the local market.

Ste. Genevieve County cement plant’s construction on schedule

Thu, 12 Jun 2008 00:00:00 +0100

Construction of the US’ largest cement plant in Ste. Genevieve County is on track for its scheduled completion next year, its plant manager said Thursday.

Concern over decline in demand, Philippines

Thu, 12 Jun 2008 00:00:00 +0100

Apart from the rising cost of raw materials, power and fuel, Cemex Philippines is said to be concerned over the decline of the demand for its product this year compared to last year.

Fresh row erupts over cement importation

Thu, 12 Jun 2008 00:00:00 +0100

The Nigerian Federal Government’s decision to allow the importation of bagged cement into the country has continued to generate controversy,

Sri Lanka Holcim unit says cement market slowing

Wed, 11 Jun 2008 00:00:00 +0100

A senior company official from Holcim Lanka there has been a slowdown in demand for cement from the island’s construction sector

Cimsa receives approval for acquisition of ready-mixed cement plants

Wed, 11 Jun 2008 00:00:00 +0100

Turkish cement producer Cimsa Cimento Sanayi has announced that the competition board has approved

Qatar to freeze cement, steel prices

Wed, 11 Jun 2008 00:00:00 +0100

Qatar plans to impose a three-year freeze on cement and steel prices as well as

HeidelbergCement and Italcementi in technical agreement

Wed, 11 Jun 2008 00:00:00 +0100

Italcementi and HeidelbergCement are to jointly further develop the photoactive binders market.

Cement plants risk oversupply

Wed, 11 Jun 2008 00:00:00 +0100

While Vietnam is facing a cement shortage, the situation may reverse by 2010 when a series of cement plants start up, warned the Vietnam National Cement Association (VNCA).

Sichuan Yadong Cement third-phase project to start

Tue, 10 Jun 2008 00:00:00 +0100

Taiwan-funded Sichuan Yadong Cement Co, Ltd. is to start the construction of its third cement production line in Pengzhou Cit

Iranian company to build cement factory in south Kyrgyzstan

Tue, 10 Jun 2008 00:00:00 +0100

An Iranian company, Mapsa, has applied to invest EUR150m in a cement factory in the city of Taskomur in Kyrgyzstan

Taiwan Cement to double capacity at China’s Jiangsu plant

Tue, 10 Jun 2008 00:00:00 +0100

Taiwan Cement Corp has decided to invest US$135m to double capacity at its plant in China’s Jiangsu province to 4.5Mt

Holcim Lanka makes bid to invest in Jaffna cement plant

Tue, 10 Jun 2008 00:00:00 +0100

Holcim Lanka said it has made an investment proposal to Lanka Cement to revive production at its defunct plant in the northern Jaffna peninsula or build a new one.

Italcementi invests in Syria

Tue, 10 Jun 2008 00:00:00 +0100

The Italcementi subsidiary Ciments Français is taking a 12.5% stake in Al Badia Cement, a new cement company being established to build a 3.2Mta cement works in Syria

India: Vicat, Heidelberg and Lafarge circle Sagar Cements

Mon, 9 Jun 2008 00:00:00 +0100

Just as Sagar Cements is poised to take the leap into the big league, the mini cement maker from Andhra Pradesh is drawing interest from

Railways targets 100 per cent jump in cement transportation by 2011-12

Mon, 9 Jun 2008 00:00:00 +0100

With the reduction of freight charges, the Indian Railways has set aside an ambitious target of doubling the transportation of cement

India: Impact of hike in diesel price on cement sector

Mon, 9 Jun 2008 00:00:00 +0100

According to Karvy Stock Broking report on cement sector: "The hike in diesel price by INR3/l has put an incremental cost burden of INR4140m for the cement industry. We believe cement industry would n

Vietnam: no more cement projects for now

Mon, 9 Jun 2008 00:00:00 +0100

The Ministry of Construction (MOC) has officially asked the authorities of 14 cities and localities to halt registering more cement projects

JK Lakshmi sees future in ready-mix concrete

Mon, 9 Jun 2008 00:00:00 +0100

JK Lakshmi Cement, part of JK Group, is adding five more ready-mix concrete (RMC) units as part of its expansion plans.

Frances Lafarge to build cement plant in Rostov region

Mon, 9 Jun 2008 00:00:00 +0100

Lafarge SA plans to build a cement plant in Russias Rostov Region, the press office of the regional economic development ministry

Lafarge signs deal to double its Nigerian capacity

Fri, 6 Jun 2008 00:00:00 +0100

Lafarge signed an agreement with Chinese supplier CBMI Ltd to expand its Nigerian plant and double output to 4Mta, Lafarges Nigerian unit

Russia: LSR Group lays foundation stone for construction of new cement plant

Fri, 6 Jun 2008 00:00:00 +0100

On May 27 a gala ceremony took place in Slantsy, Leningrad region to lay the foundation stone for the construction of a new LSR Group cement plant.

Real estate drives Indian cement market

Fri, 6 Jun 2008 00:00:00 +0100

The key drivers for Indian cement demand are real estate sector, infrastructure projects and industrial expansion projects.

India: Rajasthan update cement firms cut output by 50 per cent

Fri, 6 Jun 2008 00:00:00 +0100

Cement production units in Rajasthan have been forced to cut their capacity utilisation by as high as 50 per cent, following the 12 day violent Gujjar agitation.

UK: Castle Cement factory sees slowdown

Fri, 6 Jun 2008 00:00:00 +0100

Production is being cut at a North Wales cement factory because of the recession in the construction industry.

Bahrain update: cement shortage shuts ready-mix plants