Africa & The Middle East

Sephaku Cement is in advanced negotiations for funding new cement projects.

Uganda’s largest cement manufacturer will increase cement grinding, storage and packing facilities.

Suez Cement plans to relocate two cement plants and will take steps to boost its total capacity.

Saudi Arabia shows signs of promise as its cement output capacity looks set to increase by approximately 15.2% to 53 million t over 2010, as the nation plans massive investment in the construction industry.

Eithiopia’s Habesha Cement has received five tenders for the construction of its newest plant.

ASEC Holding has acquired an additional 9.48% holding in ASEC cement, thereby increasing its exposure to become one of the region’s largest independent cement producers.

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.

Lhoist and Suhail Bahwan Group have formed a joint venture to develop limestone and dolomite reserves in Oman.

SAK Commodities has confirmed its first support contract with Iraq's Ministry of Trade. Excerpts from the company’s statement about the contract follow here.

Egypt is looking to start an international bidding process to grant cement licences by mid-year.

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.

Aamal Company is diversifying into new high growth revenue streams.

A new tower dominates the Dubai skyline, the GCC opts to create its own petro-currency and the UAE orders its first nuclear reactors.

Fortress Group has embarked on shipping 100 000 t of cement to Cameroon, with the last of eight vessels heading for Cameroon in late December 2009.

Saudi Arabia has reintroduced customs duties to address an oversupply of cement and steel.