Europe & CIS

The President started the 5000 tpd production line at the new Qizildas cement plant.

Continued developments in high-performance high-strength concretes are enabling taller, lighter and more cost-effective high-rise construction.

Ruukki Metals Oy is converting its blast furnaces to Pulverized Coal Injection; two Loesche mills will be installed to handle the coal grinding.

The EPA has released its 2012 National Waste Report, which looks at waste generation and management in Ireland.

Some of this week’s key stories from the international cement sector, from alternative fuel partnerships to new contracts.

The International Federation of Industrial Energy Consumers has given its suggestions as the EU targets greater energy efficiency in energy intensive industries.

The cement company has received £4.5 million in funding to deliver CO2 emissions savings of 7500 tpa across 10 sites in the UK.

Construction activity growth more moderate in the UK in July, while rate of decline eased slightly in Germany according to the Markit/CIPS UK Construction PMI® and the Markit Germany Construction PMI®.

Eurocement says it will defend its assets in Uzbekistan, estimating that the loss of Akhangarancement could equate to up to US$1.4 billion.

Though impacted by foreign exchange losses, the French cement company has reported an increase of 6.1% in consolidated sales.

The new partnership will see over £2 million invested in cutting edge technologies to serve the UK construction sector.

Sales volumes of crushed rock, asphalt, sand and gravel improved in 2Q14 according to the MPA, while the CPA has released its latest construction forecast, predicting 10% growth over the next two years.

Cement sales volumes are up overall and almost all markets reported growth in 1H14, but unfavourable foreign exchange effects impacted profitability.

The World Concrete Forum has published its top 500 influencers on Twitter. Lafarge tops the list, with World Cement coming in at a very respectable #12.

Cementos Molins S.A. has released its latest financial results. The group also plans to increase its presence in Latin America with the acquisition of a majority stake in Bolivia’s Itacamba Cementos.