The Americas

Peruvian cement exports on the up; Venezuela to work with India to increase its cement production capacity.

The US EPA has recognised the energy efficiency performance of Lehigh Hanson’s Union Bridge cement plant.

The MIT Concrete Sustainability Hub has received US$10 million in funding to support concrete research by interdisciplinary investigators from several MIT departments.

Bloomberg is reporting that the owners of Texas Industries Inc. are considering a sale.

Proposed changes to the National Building Code of Canada that would allow wooden buildings to increase to a maximum height of six storeys are being fought by the Cement Association, which claims they will increase the risk of fire.

Companhia Vale do Ribeira plans to establish a 1 million tpa cement plant in the state of Paraná.

Some US$8 billion in loan guarantee authority is set to be available to support projects that aim to avoid, reduce or sequester greenhouse gases.

Cemex has announced that the first book in its Nature Series will be entitled ‘Sublime Nature: Photographs That Awe and Inspire’.

La Empresa Mixta Cementos Cienfuegos S.A. in Cuba announces a new clinker production record.

Cemex continues its partnership with the International Union for Conservation of Nature with the development of a Corporate Water Policy.

In September 2013, shipments of Portland and blended cement in the US and Puerto Rico reached 7.9 million t, representing growth of 14% y/y.

Cemex has signed a multi-year agreement with Neoris for IT outsourcing services worth US$500 million.

The Colombian cement producer strengthens its relationship with EAFIT University with plans to construct a centre for innovation.

Cement production in Argentina is expected to reveal 11% y/y growth in 2013.

The Lafarge Brookfield cement plant in Nova Scotia is proposing to recycle frack wastewater in its cement kiln.