Asia & Pacific Rim

The Lafarge Group will commence research in India to improve the performance of concrete in challenging environments.

The Perry Group has confirmed its plans to construct a NZ$25 million cement plant at Te Kumi, expanding on its partnership with Ravensdown Fertilizer for a long-standing supply of limestone.

The Japanese cement industry reports temporary stoppage at sites, whilst general confusion remains in the country. Demand for cement and other construction materials is likely to rise as Japan begins rebuilding efforts.

Mergers in the Indian cement market have been affected by modest valuations in the low capacity utilisation economy.

Following a recent central government plan to increase social housing, shares in the Chinese industry reached an unprecedented high in Hong Kong.

A recent increase in coal prices in India will have adverse effects on the already struggling cement industry.

Taiwan’s Far Eastern Group has revealed plans for investment and expansion into the Chinese cement market amongst other areas. This news arrived as the close of the Taiwanese stock market yesterday saw a 3.6% jump for cement shares.

WISCO’s wholly-owned subsidiary, WISCO Metal Resources, is to establish a slag cement joint venture with Singapore-based EnGro Corporation.

January was a month of ups and downs for the Pakistani cement industry, which saw domestic sales increase by 7% month-on-month to 1.907 million t, while exports fell 20% m/m to 0.566 million t.

Tecpro Systems has entered into a collaboration agreement with Nanjing Triumph Kaineng Environment and Energy Company for WHR projects in India.

Local reports of a planned merger between Holcim’s Indian subsidiaries ACC and Ambuja Cemnts persist, as ACC consolidates its assets. Holcim denies the plans.

Indian cement producers have announced Q3 results; rising fuel costs dampen profitability.

China Resources Cement has entered a property transfer agreement with Fujian Zijin Hengfa Construction Materials, which will include the acquisition of a cement production line in Fujian Province.

China Resources Cement Holdings is to acquire stakes in Guangzhou Yubao Cement, Yuesheng Concrete, Yuequn Concrete and Zhujiang Cement, according to reports.

China Huaneng Group, Peabody Energy and Calera Corp. have agreed to pursue development of a green coal energy campus in the Xilinguole Region of Inner Mongolia.