A recently released report by the Winnipeg-based International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) on the implications of climate change on Canada’s infrastructure represents an important step forward in the national conversation about infrastructure resilience. Published with support from the Cement Association of Canada, “Climate Change Adaptation and Canadian Infrastructure” summarizes current literature dealing with the challenge of adapting to climate…
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Holcim Third-Quarter Profit Up, Sales Down
Swiss cement conglomerate Holcim Ltd. reported a higher third-quarter profit, citing positive earnings performance in Europe, North and Latin America, as well as its cost discipline initiatives. Meanwhile, net sales fell about 8 percent, due to weak demand in key markets such as India and Mexico.
Read MoreLafarge Q3 Sales Down 4 Percent
Lafarge reported that its sales fell by 4 percent year-on-year to $5.66 billion for the third quarter of 2013 from $5.86 billion for the same period in 2012. The company blamed the results on adverse exchange rates which had a negative impact of 7 percent on both sales and profit indicators such as earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation…
Read MoreIntercem Americas Heads to ‘The Big Easy’
New Orleans will host the 15th annual Intercem Americas – the world’s leading cement industry conference – Dec. 2-4, 2013, at the InterContinental Hotel. Intercem will provide the latest forecasts, markets news and trading patterns, as well as insight and analysis on shipping and environmental regulations for the U.S. cement industry and the wider Americas region.
Read MoreMan Dies in California Cement Plant Accident
According to MSHA’s preliminary report, on Oct.17 a 52-year-old electrician with five years of experience was injured at the Lebec, Calif., cement operation. The victim was standing on a step ladder, pulling cable in a cable tray.
Read MoreJuly Cement Totals Released
Total shipments of portland and blended cement in the United States and Puerto Rico in July 2013 were about 8.1 million metric tons (Mt), up by 11 percent from the level in July 2012, according to the recently released USGS Mineral Industry Survey. Shipments for the year through July were 45.1 Mt, up slightly.
Read MoreWorkers Exposed to Cement Powder in Tucson Plant Accident
Two employees of the Staker Parson cement plant were working under a silo containing cement powder when the automatic control valve malfunctioned and caused the silo to remain in the open position, according to the Arizona Daily Star.
Read MoreHeidelbergCement Releases Group Sustainability Report
HeidelbergCement released its 2011/2012 Sustainability Report, “Foundations,” which highlights topics and challenges for the company in its drive for sustainable development. It also details the successes and aims of enterprise sustainability management, as well as the company’s activities in the arena of environmental and climate protection, workplace safety and social responsibility.
Read MoreTitan America Air Permit Challenged
Environmental groups are once again challenging North Carolina’s decision to issue Titan America an air-quality permit for its proposed cement plant in Castle Hayne.
Read MoreBritish Columbia Sees Increase in Contempra Usage
Two years after its launch in Canada, Contempra now accounts for nearly 50 percent of the domestic cement consumed in British Columbia, reports the Cement Association of Canada (CAC). The lower carbon cement results in 10 percent lower CO2 emissions and is rapidly becoming the preferred standard for the majority of new concrete construction projects in British Columbia.
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