The Americas

Cemex has proposed a new model for the development of affordable housing at the World Economic Forum on Latin America 2010 held in Cartagena de Indias, Colombia.

Harsh conditions facing the cement industry are expected to persist throughout 2010 and beyond. In view of this, the US will be faced with some difficult decisions.

Roanoke Cement Company has switched off lighting on its preheater tower indefinitely to coincide with the fourth annual Earth Hour.

Brazil’s cement industry is expecting a massive boom as the country’s predicted infrastructure spend for the 2014 World Cup and the 2016 Olympics will be at least US$ 55 billion, on top of which the government’s plans to invest US$ 85 billion in housing. What will be the impact on the country’s cement industry?

Rio Tinto and Chinalco have signed a non-binding memorandum of understanding (MoU) to establish a joint venture covering the development and operation of the Simandou iron ore project in Guinea.

USGS survey data indicates growth for gypsum industry from November to December 2009.

The USGS Mineral Industry Surveys publication "Cement in December 2009” has recently been published. This report provides monthly data on the shipments of cement to final customers, and the production of clinker, in the United States from January 2008 through the current month.

Production of crushed stone in the US decreased in 2008, as did consumption. Imports increased slightly, but exports remained stable.

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is seeking public comment on the annual Inventory of US Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Sinks: 1990 – 2008 draft report.

Following the devastating earthquake in Chile, Anglo American is pleased to announce the donation of US$10 million (equivalent to just over Ch$5 billion), which will be allocated to projects to rebuild houses and schools and implement emergency water and electricity services.

Cemex USA has been awarded US$1.1 million funding to demonstrate carbon capture technology.

The EPA has named Cemex USA a 2010 ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year for outstanding energy management and reductions in greenhouse gas emissions.

The Portland Cement Association (PCA) has announced its support for a study conducted by Southern Methodist University’s (SMU) Maguire Energy Institute, which examines the contributions of the cement industry to US economic health.

Diana Shipping Inc. has reported a massive drop in Q4 net income, which fell from US$ 54.2 million in Q4 2008 to US$ 27.6 million.

Less than 9% of shareholders have taken up CSN’s offer to purchase a 33% stake plus one share in Cimpor.