Ecebol
The Bolivian state-owned cement manufacturer Ecebol has announced a tender for the establishment of a new cement plant in Oruro. The plant will have a clinker production capacity of 3000 tpd. According to local press, the project is valued at US$247 million and comprises plant construction, equipment supply and staff training. The deadline for bids is 18 March and the contract will be awarded by 28 March.
Soboce
Speaking at a press conference, Corporate Manager of Soboce, René Sánchez, said that he expected cement demand in Bolivia to increase to 3.5 million t this year up from 3.3 million t in 2013. Soboce had a market share of around 48% last year, and Sánchez told local press that he hopes a similar figure will be achieved in 2014.
Soboce has also raised a formal complaint with the National Hydrocarbon Agency regarding Yacimientos Petrolíferos Fiscales Bolivianos (YPFB). For the last 18 months Soboce has been in talks with YPFB to supply natural gas to a new plant in Yacuses. The plant will require approximately 10 million ft3 of natural gas per day.
Edited from various sources by Louise Fordham