The Americas

NASA’s Orbiting Carbon Observatory-2, the first spacecraft dedicated to studying atmospheric carbon dioxide, has been successfully launched from the Vandenberg Air Force Base in California.

The 6th CBC took place in São Paulo in May after a gap of 15 years. The event, which was attended by some 300 local and international cement industry representatives, included a high quality technical programme and an engaging exhibition.

Martin Engineering co-sponsored the 4th annual fundraiser for children at the Casa Hogar de Cabo San Lucas, helping to raise over US$500 000.

Titan America has published its 2013 Integrated Annual Report, which includes an overview of the company’s activities, business strategy and financial and non-financial performance.

Donn C. Thompson AIA, CGP, LEED AP BD+C. Director, Market Development, Portland Cement Association, discusses the need for stronger building codes.

The Lafarge Canada plant in Nova Scotia plans to apply for a trial permit to burn plastic otherwise destined for landfill in a bid to lower coal use and reduce its environmental footprint.

A new programme in Juarez, Mexico, sees Cementos de Chihuahua donate cement to local groups in exchange for old tyres, helping to clean up the area while providing the plant with an alternative fuel source.

In April 2014, total shipments of Portland and blended cement in the US and Puerto Rico stood at 7.4 million t, an 11% y/y increase compared to the level recorded in April 2013.

Argos, one of Latin America’s biggest cement producers, has agreed a deal with SKF, whereby the latter will provide engineering products and services for Argos’ cement plant operations in Colombia.

Grey cement production increased by 15.3% y/y in Colombia in May 2014, while domestic dispatches improved by 14.7% y/y to reach more than 1 million t.

The Orbiting Carbon Observatory will circle the globe collecting information about the sources of CO2 and how and where it is naturally absorbed from the atmosphere.

Dust Control Technology has developed a family of adjustable mounting brackets for the DustBoss® DB-RTM series of dust suppressors.

A new production line will double the capacity of the Industria Venezolana de Cemento plant in San Sebastián de los Reyes, bringing it to 5 million t.

Volvo Construction Equipment has launched its new customer centre, which will improve operations and customer service in the North American market.

ExxonMobil’s Equipment Building Group celebrates 100 years of working closely with OEMs to enhance the performance of equipment in the cement industry.