The Americas

Construction of the EURUS wind farm project was completed on 15 November 2009. The wind farm will supply approximately 25% of Cemex’s energy needs in its Mexican cement plants.

Peru’s second largest cement producer has revealed plans to invest some US$ 300 million to develop and phosphate mine and processing plant.

Erdene Resource Development Corp. has provided an update on its principal projects in conjunction with the release of its third quarter 2009 financial results.

Massey Energy Co. has completed the acquisition of metallurgical and steam coal reserves from now-bankrupt Appalachian Fuels, LLC and its affiliates.

The Vancouver Sun has named Polaris Minerals as the fourth fastest-growing company in British Colombia. The company, which has only been operating for two years, is surviving well, despite the downturn in the market this year.

The PCA, Salt River Materials Group and Habitat for Humanity have developed a concrete home that will bring considerable benefits to its future owners. Its sustainable design means it has achieved ‘Net-Zero’ energy designation.

A new player has emerged, claiming development of a cementitious material made from post-industrial waste and producing near-zero carbon emissions. Many such products have made the news recently, but will any or all gain precedence over OPC?

Headwaters Incorporated has announced its Q4 and fiscal year results ended 30 September 2009.

A recent report from the USGS reveals varied results for the US gypsum industry in July 2009.

Cemex has lowered expected cashflow figure for 2009 to US$ 2.9 billion, compared to US$ 3.2 billion predicted earlier this year.

The US Department of Energy has released the initial phase of funding for industrial carbon capture and storage projects. The successful projects include trials by Cemex, Air Products and Chemicals, ConocoPhillips, Praxair and Shell.

Several companies in North America have developed ways to create greener, more environmentally friendly concrete.

The US Environmental Protection Agency has announced that it will limit greenhouse gas emissions from major new sources of pollution.

The impact of the recession is being felt across America this week, as 500 employees of Ash Grove Cement are laid off at nine of its ten plants. The shutdowns are temporary, but no date has been projected for restarting production.

USGS data shows aggregate consumption increased in Q2, but is still a long way behind 2008 figures. The growth could be a standard seasonal increase or a sign of the beginnings of recovery. The cement industry has also shown signs of improvement, but stimulatory efforts have so far had little impact.