Asia & Pacific Rim

JSW Steel’s acquisition of Heidelberg’s grinding plant in Raigad, Maharashtra, has received Competition Commission approval.

The State Pollution Control Board of Himachal Pradesh has proposed that polythene bags be used as an alternative fuel in cement plants.

Plans for two port terminals in Auckland and Timaru are in the works, as Holcim New Zealand sets out to increase imports of bulk cement.

Sinoma and CITIC Heavy Industries have each signed contracts this week, boosting their presence in the emerging markets.

Mark Chellew has announced his plans to retire as CEO of the Australian cement company in May next year.

UltraTech Cement is to set up two new cement plants of 3.5 million and 2 million tpa, respectively.

The Press Information Bureau, Government of India, has released statistics regarding the price, inflation and production of cement in October 2013.

PT Indocement Tunggal Prakarsa has released its results for 3Q13 and witnessed a growth in revenue, despite domestic sales remaining relatively constant.

Pakistan’s cement sector has posted slight growth y/y in the first five months of the current fiscal year and an increase in sales y/y compared to November 2012.

Indian cement manufacturers ACC and Ultratech have selected new Additional Directors and ACC has re-appointed Mr Kuldip Kaura as the Chief Executive Officer.

A subsidiary of Posco Engineering & Construction (E&C), Posco E&C Australia Pty Ltd, has plans to build a US$350 million cement plant in East Timor.

Larsen & Toubro announces new orders for November and December 2013, including the construction of a cement plant in Karnataka.

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) has released a report on China’s efforts towards greening its economy and industries, including the cement sector.

A new report warns that a jump in electricity costs and new capacity additions in 1H14 will put pressure on margins for Peninsula-based cement producers in Malaysia.

Indonesian cement manufacturer PT Indocement Tunggal Prakarsa is planning to invest in its new brownfield cement plant, due for completetion in 2015.