The Americas

According to the Lake Carriers’ Association, severe ice affected cargo movements in US-flag vessels in March, with total shipments of cement, coal and iron ore falling by 55% y/y.

Cemex has completed the construction of 640 new homes in Colombia as part of a new affordable housing initiative in collaboration with the Colombian government.

A new crusher enables the company to meet market demand for a finer grade of sand.

BC Bioenergy Network (BCBN) will provide US$1 million in funding for Diacarbon Energy and Lafarge Canada’s new torrefaction project, which involves the production of renewable biocoal derived from wood residuals.

Lafarge North America Inc. hosted a groundbreaking ceremony for the multi-million dollar modernisation project at its Ravena plant, New York, which is due for completion by 30 June 2016.

Holcim has placed an order with Gebr. Pfeiffer, Inc. for the supply of a new MPS 3750 B raw material grinding mill for its cement plant in Hagerstown, Maryland.

Cemex Latam Holdings, S.A. will participate in the construction of sustainable housing units in Latin America, estimating that it will contribute to the establishment of some 12 000 homes this year.

Titan America’s Deerfield Beach facility in South Florida has begun burning refuse in place of coal in an attempt to cut air pollution and reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills.

Latest appointments news from CTLGroup, Kason and LafargeHolcim.

After 20 years at the helm, Aris Papadopoulos will retire as CEO of the US cement major as of 1 August 2014.

Cemex has completed the financing for the Ventika project, which involves the construction of two wind farms in Nuevo Leon, Mexico.

Jamaica’s Minister of Transport, Works and Housing recently stated that the Ministry is looking into proposals for greater use of concrete in road construction and repair.

According to local news sources, Bolivia’s Itacamba Cemento S.A. plans to construct a new 800 000 tpd cement plant in Yacuses, which would supply the market in the east of Bolivia.

Argos has announced the acquisition of Ciments Guyanais in French Guiana. The purchase is in line with the Colombian cement manufacturer’s expansion plans, allowing it to increase its presence in the Caribbean.

As part of a new co-processing agreement, Cemex uses the non-recyclable waste produced at GM Motors’ San Luis Potosi complex in Mexico as a form of alternative fuel in its cement plants.