During 2024, CemNet’s analysis highlights strategic acquisitions, the commissioning of new capacity projects and sustained progress in decarbonization, consolidating another dynamic year for cement producers.
In January, Holcim announced its decision to list its North American business in the US, carrying out a complete separation from the capital market. FLSmidth proposed the divestment of its cement unit, Talentis International Construction Investments acquired Lukavac Cement in Bosnia-Herzegovina, and CRH finalized the sale of its European lime business.
In February, Ambuja Cements Ltd announced its new grinding plant in the Godda district of Jharkhand, India. Companhia Siderúrgica Nacional CSN approached to buy the Brazilian assets of its competitor InterCement Participações and at the same time, Rohrdorfer Zement started the construction of its CO2 capture plant in Germany.
In March, Heidelberg Materials moved its Leilac 2 project to Ennigerloh, Germany, and launched the Airvault CCUS project in France. Thyssenkrupp Polysius won a contract for an activated clay project in Allmendingen. Cemex, meanwhile, presented its annual report highlighting a 4% reduction in CO2 emissions in 2023, driven by 37% use of alternative fuels and a clinker factor of 72%.
At the beginning of April, Shree Cement started up a 3Mta plant in Guntur, India. Heidelberg Materials France confirmed the closure of its cement plants in Beffes and Villiers-au-Bouin. In Kenya, Cemtech Ltd inaugurated the long-awaited clinker plant in West Pokot, while Cemex sold its assets in the Philippines to local company DMCI Holdings, Inc.
In May, InterCement Participações signed an exclusivity agreement with Companhia Siderúrgica Nacional in Brazil. CEMBUREAU published an update to its Net Zero roadmap, and Taiwan Cement Corp changed its name to TCC Group Holdings.
By June, the Indonesian Cement Association presented its roadmap at Cemtech Asia 2024 in Jakarta. Heidelberg Materials announced the conversion of its Speed cement plant in Indiana into a slag grinding facility. In addition, Adbri shareholders approved its acquisition by CRH, and Heidelberg Materials began construction of its carbon capture plant in Lengfurt, Germany.
Cimerwa Plc completed the purchase of Prime Cement Ltd in Rwanda in July and Taiheiyo Cement Philippines opened its cement plant in San Fernando, Cebu. UltraTech Cement acquired RAK Cement for the PSC of white cement and building materials in the United Arab Emirates.
In August, Çimsa agreed to acquire Mannok in Ireland, and Alpacem launched a €50 million modernisation in Wietersdorf, Austria. Heidelberg Materials North America announced a carbon capture project at its Mitchell, US, plant. Cemento Progreso added the San Pedro de Macorís plant in the Dominican Republic, while Bamburi Cement in Kenya faced a bidding war between Savannah Clinker Ltd and Amsons Group.
China announced a national carbon trading system that will be expanded to include the cement, electrolytic aluminium and steel sectors in September. Heidelberg Materials’ Northern Lights carbon storage project has started, and Holcim invested US$44 million in a calcined clay project in the Czech Republic at its Cízkovice plant. Cemex also sold its operations in Guatemala to Holcim Group for approximately US$200 million.
In October, Buzzi SpA acquired 100% of Cimento Nacional in Brazil and sold its operations in Ukraine to CRH. Titan Group and thyssenkrupp signed the FEED contract for the IFESTOS carbon capture project in Greece. AVIC International Beijing and Humboldt Wedag (KHD) have won an order for a clay calcination plant in Burkina Faso. In addition, 200 years of the patent for Portland cement were celebrated, and TCMA launched Thailand’s Net Zero Cement and Concrete Roadmap for 2050.
In November, CBMI signed an EPC contract with CIMCI for a 12,000tpd clay suspension calcining line and a 5,000tpd cement grinding plant in Côte d’Ivoire. ICG inaugurated its fourth cement plant in Kazakhstan. Heidelberg Materials North America signed an agreement to acquire Giant Cement Holding Inc. In addition, Summit Materials Inc was acquired by Quikrete Holdings, temporarily buying out Cementos Argos from the US cement market.
In the last month of the year, Cement Australia announced its acquisition of the Buckeridge Group of Companies in Australia.
The year stood out as a key year for the cement industry, driven by progress in decarbonization, strategic investments and global expansions. Acquisitions such as those of Çimsa and Buzzi SpA, along with carbon capture projects led by Heidelberg Materials and Titan Group, reflect the focus on sustainability. Initiatives such as the Indonesia roadmap and the Thailand roadmap reinforce the commitment to reducing emissions, while operational improvements and the celebration of 200 years of Portland cement underline the evolution and relevance of the cement industry.
Source: cemnet.com