http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/raw-materials.aspx en-uk editor@worldcement.com webmaster@worldcement.com http://www.worldcement.com/media/logo.gif Extraction and handling of minerals and aggregates for the cement and concrete industries. http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/raw-materials/articles/Coming_soon_August_Regional_Insight.aspx This month's Regional Insight will focus on the Central Asian nation of Kazakhstan. The great Silk Road began life before the birth of Christ and lasted through until about the 14th century. In its time millions would have travelled along the routes as trade between east and west grew and developed through the centuries. 02/08/2010 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/raw-materials/articles/Lafarge_Canada_Inc_goes_green.aspx Lafarge’s Brookfield plant in Nova Scotia will develop a new type of blended cement that will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 76 000 t by 2015. 21/07/2010 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/raw-materials/articles/News_from_Cemex_in_the_US_and_Panama.aspx Cemex has reached an agreement to sell seven aggregates quarries in Kentucky, and will supply cement for a hydroelectric plant in Panama. 09/07/2010 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/raw-materials/articles/Prosperity_Minerals_Holdings_releases_financial_results .aspx Prosperity Minerals Holdings releases financial results for year ending 31st March 2010. 07/07/2010 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/raw-materials/articles/Anglo_American_agrees_sale_of_undeveloped_coal_assets_in_Australia.aspx Anglo American plc has announced that it has entered into a conditional agreement to sell its interests in five undeveloped coal assets in Australia for A$580 million (approximately US$500 million) in cash. 06/07/2010 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/raw-materials/articles/Australia_introduces_Mineral_Resource_Rent_Tax.aspx Following constructive discussions with the mining industry, Australia's newly appointed prime minister, Julia Gillard, has moved to scrap the controversial Resource Super Profits Tax (RSPT), replacing it with a Mineral Resource Rent Tax (MRRT). 02/07/2010 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/raw-materials/articles/US_crushed_stone_and_sand_and_gravel_in_the_first_quarter_2010.aspx These figures from the USGS show a general decrease in production and consumption of crushed stone, sand and gravel. 01/07/2010 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/raw-materials/articles/World_Cement_launches_Facebook_page_and_joins_Twitter.aspx You can now find World Cement on Facebook and Twitter social networking sites. 24/06/2010 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/raw-materials/articles/Tanzanian_cement_producers_challenged.aspx Tanzania’s president, Jakaya Kikwete has challenged the country’s cement producers to continue to increase their production capacities. 01/06/2010 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/raw-materials/articles/Cemex_UK_opens_new_sand_production_plant.aspx A new sand production plant is helping Cemex UK boost efficiency and reduce the environmental impact of its largest UK sand and gravel quarry. 19/05/2010 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/raw-materials/articles/Lafarge_suffers_further_delays_to_mining_operations_in_India.aspx India’s Supreme Court has refused to lift a ban on mining by Lafarge in Meghalaya, due to environmental concerns. 28/04/2010 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/raw-materials/articles/Photocatalytic_Cementitious_Materials.aspx In this paper Gian Luca Guerrini – CTG Italcementi Group, Italy, briefly reviews the situation with photocatalytic cementitious materials and their current applications in the building sector. 20/04/2010 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/raw-materials/articles/Cement_sector_experiences_unnecessary_interference.aspx It is evident that the cement industry is constantly being examined by various authorities. This interference comes in many forms. In Europe, it is the custom to allow the European Commission to ‘attack’ the cement manufacturers always probing alleged anti-competitive behaviour. 20/04/2010 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/raw-materials/articles/Lafarge_agrees_limestone_quarrying_compensation_in_India.aspx Lafarge is expected to pay Rs.600 million to compensate for environmental damage as a result of limestone quarry operations in India. 13/04/2010 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/raw-materials/articles/Hanson_sells_off_aggregate_and_asphalt_business_in_Scotland.aspx Hanson UK has announced the sale of its aggregate and asphalt operations in Scotland to other Scottish operators. 08/04/2010 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/raw-materials/articles/Volvo_invests_in_technology_centre_in_China.aspx Volvo announces multi-million dollar investment in Jinan, China for the creation of a BRIC-country focused product design and technology centre. 26/03/2010 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/raw-materials/articles/Industry_Concern_about_Future_of_Sand_and_Gravel_Supplies.aspx The MPA has sounded a serious note of caution about last week’s decision by the West Midlands Regional Assembly (WMRA) to change the way future supply of sand and gravel is provided for. 25/03/2010 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/raw-materials/articles/Rio_Tinto_signs_MoU_for_iron_or_ JV.aspx Rio Tinto and Chinalco have signed a non-binding memorandum of understanding (MoU) to establish a joint venture covering the development and operation of the Simandou iron ore project in Guinea. 22/03/2010 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/raw-materials/articles/Gypsum_in_December_2009.aspx USGS survey data indicates growth for gypsum industry from November to December 2009. 16/03/2010 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/raw-materials/articles/FLSmidth_receives_order_for_material_handling_project_in_India.aspx FLSmidth has signed a contract worth €53 million (DKK400 million) with Indian National Thermal Power Corporation Limited (NTPC). 16/03/2010 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/raw-materials/articles/Extracts_from_the_USGS_Yearbook_chapter_Stone_Crushed.aspx Production of crushed stone in the US decreased in 2008, as did consumption. Imports increased slightly, but exports remained stable. 12/03/2010 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/raw-materials/articles/Anglo_American_provides_aid_for_Chile.aspx Following the devastating earthquake in Chile, Anglo American is pleased to announce the donation of US$10 million (equivalent to just over Ch$5 billion), which will be allocated to projects to rebuild houses and schools and implement emergency water and electricity services. 09/03/2010 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/raw-materials/articles/Lafarge_acquires_two_aggregate_docks_in_North_America.aspx Lafarge is creating the potential for increased shipping traffic along the Saginaw River following the acquisition of two docks in Saginaw and Bay City. 24/02/2010 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/raw-materials/articles/Cemex_completes_joint_venture_asset_sale_in_US.aspx Cemex has announced the sale of 12 quarries in the US to SPO Partners & Co. 23/02/2010 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/raw-materials/articles/Ghacem_Ltd_and_Mutiwall_Paper_Sacks_(MPs)_West_Africa_Limited_enter_agreement.aspx In Ghana, an agreement has been made between Ghacem Limited and Mutiwall Paper Sacks (MPs) West Africa Limited regarding limestone mining operations in Western Nzema. 23/02/2010 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/raw-materials/articles/Rio_Tinto_opens_new_iron_ore_mine_in_the_Pilbaras_Robe_Valley .aspx Rio Tinto has begun production of iron ore at the Mesa A/Warramboo mine in Western Australia. 23/02/2010 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/raw-materials/articles/New_JV_formed_to_exploit_limestone_and_dolomite_deposits_in_Oman.aspx Lhoist and Suhail Bahwan Group have formed a joint venture to develop limestone and dolomite reserves in Oman. 17/02/2010 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/raw-materials/articles/Infrastructure_Materials_Corp._acquires_Canadian_cement_grade_limestone_assets.aspx Infrastructure Materials Corp. has announced the acquisition of Canadian Infrastructure Corp. (CIC), a privately-held company, which owns three cement grade limestone properties. 16/02/2010 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/raw-materials/articles/Sale_of_famous_Rubislaw_quarry_is_now_closed.aspx The sale of the UK’s Rubislaw Quarry has come to a close. 11/02/2010 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/raw-materials/articles/Broken_shark_tooth_found_in_Barrington_Quarry.aspx A broken tooth belonging to an ancient shark has been found at Cemex’s Barrington Quarry in the UK. 11/02/2010 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/raw-materials/articles/Hanson_UK_makes_investment_in_new_dryer.aspx A new dryer at Hanson UK’s West Drayton asphalt plant in Hillingdon in Middlesex is furthering the company’s sustainability effort. 10/02/2010 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/raw-materials/articles/Production_to_begin_at_Continental_Coal_mine.aspx Continental Coal Ltd has appointed Trollope Mining Services (TMS) for the development of its Vlarkvarkfontein mine in South Africa. Production is expected to commence in about two weeks time. 10/02/2010 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/raw-materials/articles/Geocycle_expands_alternative_fuel_facilities.aspx Michigan-based Geocycle is increasing production of AFs for local cement manufacturers. 09/02/2010 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/raw-materials/articles/clay_iron_ore_iron_steel_slag_sand_gravel_2009_summaries.aspx Extracts from the United States Geological Society Mineral Commodity summary, January 2010 08/02/2010 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/raw-materials/articles/quarry_site_on_track_to_become_wildlife_haven.aspx Restoration work at the former Lafarge Aggregates quarry near Alrewas in Staffordshire is on course to create a natural wetland wildlife reserve. 08/02/2010 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/raw-materials/articles/Oracle_coalfields.aspx The Board of Oracle Coalfields PLC, the UK developer of a 1.4 billion t coal deposit in southern Pakistan, is pleased to announce that the company has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Lucky Cement Limited, a major cement manufacturer and exporter based in Pakistan. 29/01/2010 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/raw-materials/articles/new_uk_gypsym.aspx A new Gypsum Quality Protocol is set to raise market confidence in recycled gypsum and increase demand for waste plasterboard. 25/01/2010 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/raw-materials/articles/fossilised_dinosaur_tracks.aspx The tracks of Jurrasic dinosaurs found in a quarry in Oxfordshire, England, in 1997 are to receive official protection 25/01/2010 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/raw-materials/articles/News_updates_from_India.aspx The latest news from India on December shipment figures, expansion plans, financial results and coal import duty. 19/01/2010 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/raw-materials/articles/Vietnamese_cement_companies_unhappy_with_coal_prices.aspx Cement companies have filed complaints against the Vietnamese coal industry. Unduly high prices and excessive humidity are costing the cement industry millions. 18/01/2010 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/raw-materials/articles/Alternative_fuels_JV_announced_in_Germany.aspx Nehlsen International, Bremen, Germany and MVW Lechtenberg & Partner, Mülheim an der Ruhr, Germany, have signed a joint venture agreement to build and operate alternative fuel production plants. 13/01/2010 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/raw-materials/articles/India_Globalization_Capital_Commissions_First_Quarry .aspx India Globalization Capital, Inc., has commissioned the first of two quarries for commercial use in the Indian state of Maharshtra. The second quarry is expected to start production in February. 12/01/2010 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/raw-materials/articles/USGS_reports_gypsum_figures_for_October_2009.aspx The US Geological Society has issued a statement regarding the performance of gypsum in terms of consumption and demand in October 2009. Generally there was an improvement in consumption month-on-month, although the year-on-year performance is still poor. 11/01/2010 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/raw-materials/articles/Rio_Tinto's_Yandicoogina_becomes_first_Australian_mine_to_produce_50_million_tpa.aspx The Yanicoogina mine in Western Australia has become the first mine in the country to produce 50 million tpa. 08/01/2010 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/raw-materials/articles/Ancient_animal_footprints_found_in_quarry.aspx Footprints belonging to unknown 397-million-year-old tetrapods have been discovered in a disused quarry in Poland. 08/01/2010 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/raw-materials/articles/A_round-up_of_news_items_from_across_Africa.aspx News of licences in Egypt, progress in Ghana, expansion in Ethiopia and contracts in Kenya. 27/12/2009 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/raw-materials/articles/USGS_gypsum_survey_results_for_September_2009.aspx Results have been released from the USGS concerning the production of gypsum in September 2009. 22/12/2009 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/raw-materials/articles/Indonesian_Semen_Gresik_Group_awards_large_order.aspx ThyssenKrupp Foerdertechnik, Germany, have signed a contract to supply the Indonesian Semen Gresik Group with raw material processing technology in order to help them meet the expanding demand for cement in Indonesia. 15/12/2009 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/raw-materials/articles/Cemex_financial_news.aspx Cemex has announced the closing of its offer to exchange Certificados Bursátiles into mandatorily convertible securities. 14/12/2009 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/raw-materials/articles/UK_PBR_signals_higher_costs_for_cement_industry.aspx In the UK’s Pre-Budget Report 2009 it was announced that the climate change levy discount rate has been reduced from 80% to 65%. 14/12/2009 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/raw-materials/articles/EPA_confirms_GhGs_harmful_to_human_health.aspx The EPA issued a statement on Monday (7 December) that confirms the findings of its investigations into greenhouse gases and human health. 11/12/2009 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/raw-materials/articles/Coal_to_be_sourced_from_the_North_Sea.aspx Permission has been grated to extract from the large coal deposits in the North Sea via Underground Coal Gasification (UCG) technology. 11/12/2009 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/raw-materials/articles/Tilburys_conveying_solution.aspx B&W Mechanical Handling Ltd has supplied Samson TM receiving units for Cemex UK’s Tilbury cement grinding plant in Essex. 11/12/2009 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/raw-materials/articles/Engaging_the_US_cement_industry_to_improve_energy_performance.aspx Working with the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), US cement producers continue to improve their energy efficiency and make other environmental strides. In little more than a decade, the industry has reduced its energy intensity by 10%, as improvements made by proactive companies have transformed the industry’s energy performance. 03/12/2009 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/raw-materials/articles/The_European_cement_industry_is_vulnerable_to_carbon_leakage_the_decision_and_beyond.aspx This editorial is taken from Eurobrief 181, issued by CEMBUREAU. It reflects the mood of the European cement industry in the run-up to COP15. 03/12/2009 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/raw-materials/articles/FLSmidth_wins_copper_contract_in_Peru.aspx FLSmidth has signed a contract with Chinese-owned Minera Chinalco Peru for equipment for its Toromocho copper mine. 30/11/2009 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/raw-materials/articles/Cementos_Pacasmayo_to_develop_phosphate_mine.aspx Peru’s second largest cement producer has revealed plans to invest some US$ 300 million to develop and phosphate mine and processing plant. 26/11/2009 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/raw-materials/articles/FLSmidth_wins_coal_handling_contract_in_Vietnam.aspx FLSmidth has signed a contract worth approximately U$ 40 million (about DKK200 million) with state-owned LILIAMA Vietnam Machinery Installation Corporation. 25/11/2009 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/raw-materials/articles/Erdene_provides_project_updates_and_Q3_financial_results.aspx Erdene Resource Development Corp. has provided an update on its principal projects in conjunction with the release of its third quarter 2009 financial results. 20/11/2009 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/raw-materials/articles/FLSmidth_reports_on_first_nine_months.aspx FLSmidth & Co. A/S has published its results for the first nine months of this year. Figures show that the global economic downturn has had a significant impact on the Group’s earnings, but some signs of improvement are beginning to be felt. 19/11/2009 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/raw-materials/articles/Massey_Energy_completes_15_million_t_acquisition.aspx Massey Energy Co. has completed the acquisition of metallurgical and steam coal reserves from now-bankrupt Appalachian Fuels, LLC and its affiliates. 19/11/2009 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/raw-materials/articles/KHD_Humboldt_Wedag_reports_on_Q3_results.aspx KHD has had a difficult year, but Q3 results show the beginnings of improvement, particularly in the company’s balance sheet. The outlook is cautiously optimistic in the long term. 18/11/2009 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/raw-materials/articles/Polaris_Minerals_named_British_Columbia’s_fourth_fastest_growing_company.aspx The Vancouver Sun has named Polaris Minerals as the fourth fastest-growing company in British Colombia. The company, which has only been operating for two years, is surviving well, despite the downturn in the market this year. 17/11/2009 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/raw-materials/articles/Green_concrete_in_the_news_again.aspx A new player has emerged, claiming development of a cementitious material made from post-industrial waste and producing near-zero carbon emissions. Many such products have made the news recently, but will any or all gain precedence over OPC? 16/11/2009 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/raw-materials/articles/Plans_to_extend_life_of_quarry_by_35_years.aspx Aggregate Industries, UK, plans to submit a proposal to Somerset County Council, seeking permission for a project that will allow it to continue work at the Torr Quarry, Somerset, until 2040. 16/11/2009 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/raw-materials/articles/Headwaters_Incorporated_financial_results_2009.aspx Headwaters Incorporated has announced its Q4 and fiscal year results ended 30 September 2009. 13/11/2009 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/raw-materials/articles/Britains_oldest_dinosaur_to_be_unearthed.aspx The remains of the Thecodontosaurus Antiquus found entombed in limestone rock in Bristol quarry are to be excavated and reconstructed. 13/11/2009 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/raw-materials/articles/Gypsum_production_down_but_sales_up_in_July_2009.aspx A recent report from the USGS reveals varied results for the US gypsum industry in July 2009. 05/11/2009 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/raw-materials/articles/FLSmidth_wins_coal-handling_project_in-India.aspx FLSmidth has been awarded a contract worth approximately €35 million (DKK260 million) from Coastal Gujarat Power Ltd for the supply and construction of a coal handling system for the company's Ultra Mega Power Plant project in the state of Gujarat, India. 04/11/2009 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/raw-materials/articles/Advances_in_Sustainable_Concrete.aspx Several companies in North America have developed ways to create greener, more environmentally friendly concrete. 26/10/2009 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/raw-materials/articles/USGS_data_shows_aggregate_consumption_up.aspx USGS data shows aggregate consumption increased in Q2, but is still a long way behind 2008 figures. The growth could be a standard seasonal increase or a sign of the beginnings of recovery. The cement industry has also shown signs of improvement, but stimulatory efforts have so far had little impact. 21/10/2009 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/raw-materials/articles/concentrating_solar_power.aspx Statistics indicate that if less than 0.5% of the total area of sunny deserts in the world were covered with CSP plants, they would produce as much electricity as is currently being used by the whole world. 19/10/2009 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/raw-materials/articles/emissions_legislation_under_discussion_in_australia.aspx The government is attempting to pass emissions trading legislation to reduce CO₂ emissions by up to 20% by 2020. A bill that rules 20% of all power must come from renewable sources by 2020 has already been passed. 12/10/2009 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/raw-materials/articles/growth_prospects_in_sub_saharan_africa.aspx The financial crisis has hampered growth in Sub-Saharan Africa, which is dependent on exports of its primary commodities as well as aid inflows and foreign direct investment. Trade balances are shrinking and capital inflows are declining. However, when the global economy is revived, the region’s growth momentum will return. 08/10/2009 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/raw-materials/articles/the_european_gypsum_industry.aspx Gypsum is a construction mineral eternally recyclable, quarried worldwide and used in an outstanding sustainable way in buildings. Gypsum building materials are used in all construction types (residential, non-residential, new or refurbished). 01/10/2009 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/raw-materials/articles/a_technical_top_5_of_bulk_solids_handling_mistakes.aspx Bulk solids such as limestone, clay, gypsum, and slag tend to hang up in silos, plug in chutes, and spill or emit dust from conveyors. These problems cause many cement plants to operate inefficiently, often requiring costly labour to keep these raw materials flowing through equipment. Most of these solids handling problems are the result of one or more of the five common mistakes made in the cement industry. 01/10/2009 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/raw-materials/articles/shipping_industry_in_crisis.aspx Reduced global trade and the recent announcement by China that steel and cement production will be curbed has left the shipping industry facing a potential 50% rate crash. 01/10/2009 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/raw-materials/articles/demand_for_gypsum_predicted_to_improve.aspx The outlook for gypsum demand appears to be showing signs of improvement as the housing market begins its recovery, but poor capacity utilisation continues to raise doubts over the pricing of the mineral. 01/10/2009 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/raw-materials/articles/long_running_proposal_gains_new_partner.aspx The long running Thorndyke Resource proposal for a pit-to-pier mining project in Washington state has found a new partner in Canada’s Athabasca Minerals. The project is in its seventh year of county approvals and environmental reviews. 01/10/2009 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/raw-materials/articles/pan_pacific_aggregates_granted_approval_to_reopen_pumptown_quarry.aspx Pan Pacific Aggregates has announced that it has received approval from the City of Abbotsford Council to reopen its Pumptown Quarry in British Columbia. Operating conditions include the completion of an access by-pass road and a limitation of operating hours. The quarry is expected to begin operations in October 2009, following the completion of development work. 01/10/2009 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/raw-materials/articles/metso_receives_order_from_norsk_stein.aspx Metso has won a €27 million contract to supply equipment for the Norsk Stein Jelsa quarry expansion. Once completed, production capacity at the quarry will have doubled. 01/10/2009 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/raw-materials/articles/saudi_arabia_ships_sand_and_cement.aspx Cement and sand imported to Bahrain from Saudi Arabia will henceforth be shipped rather than transported by truck across the King Fahd Causeway, according to reports. This will help to ease traffic congestion and improve delivery times. 01/10/2009 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/raw-materials/articles/lafarge_cement_uk_achieves_strong_environmental_performance.aspx In Lafarge Cement UK’s latest annual sustainability report, which includes highlights of the group’s performance in 2008, figures show that the company has made considerable achievements in its quest for improved environmental performance. 01/10/2009 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/raw-materials/articles/iea_prepares_for_next_industrial_revolution_this_time_hold_the_carbon.aspx The International Energy Agency has released two new publications that put forward ideas to ‘decarbonise’ the energy sector and other CO₂ intensive industries. 01/10/2009 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/raw-materials/articles/new_zealand_government_considers_increasing_mining_activity.aspx The New Zealand government wishes to increase the revenue gained from its minerals industry, given the plentiful resources available. However, much of the land in question is protected by law and as such significant changes will need to be made. 01/10/2009 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/raw-materials/articles/restoration_planning_for_extractive_industries.aspx Restoration planning and implementation is an integral part of successful quarrying. Increasing emphasis on environmental protection means that, for many, a rehabilitation plan is an essential part of the permitting process. 01/10/2009