Africa & The Middle East

Local reports indicate that the Egyptian government has increased the price of gas for cement producers from US$6 to US$8 per million British Thermal Units (BTUs).

The new plant will help to meet the shortfall of cement in Ghana, caused by lack of raw materials, power outages and a depreciating currency.

Tarmac Middle East has signed an MoU with Etihad Rail for the distribution of its products from Al Futtaim Tarmac Quarry Product Company in Ras Al-Khaimah across the UAE and later to other GCC countries.

ARM Cement has published its new Cement Industry Report, which provides information on the East African economy and the region’s cement and construction sectors.

Paul Maxwell-Cook takes a look at the performance of the cement industry in the Middle East, where infrastructure projects are helping to drive demand.

A 1.5 million tpa grinding plant is scheduled to be brought online in August, according to local reports.

Paul-Maxwell Cook begins his annual overview of the global cement industry with a look at the African markets.

Some of this week’s key cement sector news, from capacity expansions to quarry operator accreditation schemes.

Florida’s Port Everglade to increase cargo handling capacity; Guizhong Haixun Logistics announces successful use of Volvo wheel loader at West China’s biggest port; cement and clinker among main dry bulk imports at Ghana’s Tema and Takoradi Ports.

Lafarge Iraq has launched a new version of Karasta, its multipurpose cement made specifically for use in the Middle Eastern climate.

Bamburi Cement’s Kenya-Uganda operations, which are currently run as a single cluster, will be managed as two separate organisations, each with a CEO and executive team.

Ethiopia’s Chemicals and Construction Materials Development Institute has announced that both Ethio Cement and Dangote’s Mugher plant will begin operations in October.

Lafarge WAPCO has been speaking about its plans for the future once the consolidation with Lafarge South Africa is complete.

According to NCB Capital, Saudi Arabia’s cement industry is showing signs of recovery, with demand beginning to improve to normal levels.

The Nigerian cement company has given out scholarships worth millions of naira, while the Dangote Academy has trained more than 450 graduate engineers and junior technicians.