Cement News tagged under: South Africa
South African construction index expands04 April 2024, Published under Cement NewsAfrimat has released the findings of its Afrimat Construction Index (ACI) for the 4Q23. The ACI is a composite index of the level of activity within the South African building and construction sectors and is compiled by economist Dr Roelof Botha on behalf of Afrimat. According to Dr Botha, the lethargy of the economy as a whole during the fourth quarter of last year was evident in the construction sector, with five of the 10 constituent indicators of the ACI recording QoQ negative real gr... |
PPC's success in Zimbabwe is contrasted by surrounding regions29 March 2024, Published under Cement NewsSouth Africa-based cement manufacturer PPC Cement SA (PTY) Ltd has announced that its operations in Zimbabwe are now debt free, with EBITDA improving 13.6 per cent, for the 10-month period ending January 2024). However, in contrast, sales volumes for its South Africa and Botswana operations fell by four per cent when compared to the equivalent period in the previous year. A spokesperson for PPC said, “Sales volumes in the coastal region experienced a sharper decline than in the inland ... |
Complex Ulco quarry relocation paves AfriSam’s cement future19 March 2024, Published under Cement NewsTo guarantee its future, AfriSam has relocated the quarry of its Ulco plant in Northern Cape, South Africa. However, the project proved demanding on several fronts with technical and infrastructural issues requiring innovative design that respected pre-existing site conditions and integrated well with the requirements of nearby communities. By Hannes Meyer and Gavin Venter, AfriSam, South Africa. Located in South Africa’s Northern Cape province, AfriSam’s Ulco plant has a capacity of ... |
Southern African transitions18 March 2024, Published under Cement NewsThe cement markets of southern Africa have been gradually transitioning into more competitive areas with new investments. ICR reviews the young markets of Angola and Zambia as well as the more established market of South Africa. While expansion projects are at a low due to overcapacity, market entrants see an industry in transition as domestic producers adapt to a new landscape (© Dangote Cement) While Angola, South Africa and Zambia all witnessed a post-pandemic economic r... |
AfriSam annual budget discussion centres on sluggish construction sector05 March 2024, Published under Cement NewsAfriSam recently gathered its stakeholders for its Annual Budget Breakdown event in Johannesburg, to hear insights on the construction sector and budget speech. Econometrix Chief Economist, Dr Azar Jammine, highlighted that the South African construction and building industries were still in the doldrums, with little sign of emerging from it soon. Dr Jammine pointed to the low economic growth rate and the poor level of gross fixed capital formation as the key culprits for the situation... |
PPC concludes 51% CIMERWA stake disposal29 January 2024, Published under Cement NewsPPC has concluded the sale of its 51 per cent stake in CIMERWA , Rwanda. The South Africa-based cement producer sold its shareholding for US$42.5m to National Cement Holding Ltd. The sale enables PPC to focus on its core domestic market, where it sees opportunities to improve profitability and secure a more sustainable return on capital, reports The Chronicle. In a notice to shareholders, PPC Chief Executive Officer, Matias Cardarelli, said: "I am pleased with the timely completion of t... |
PPC welcomes new executive committee24 January 2024, Published under Cement NewsSouth African cement producer PPC has restructured its executive committee to help boost the company’s profitability amidst forecasts of low cement demand across the country, according to The Herald. Mokate Ramafoko has been appointed chief revenue officer (CRO), responsible for boosting PPC’s top line, while Kevin Ross has been named as the new chief legal and compliance officer and company secretary. Further appointments include Ernesto Acosta as chief operating officer (COO), respon... |
Afghan coal price surge impacts northern Pakistan cement production costs08 January 2024, Published under Cement NewsA spike in Afghan coal prices has affected the cost of cement production in northern Pakistan. JS Research reports that the northern-based cement companies, which operate 20 of the 26 production lines in Pakistan, are facing the challenge of high production costs due to a recent rise in imported coal prices. The cost trade-off between Afghan and international coal remains dynamic, leading to difficulties for the industry. The northern region players face costs of around PKR53,000/t (US$188.... |
InterCement completes sale of Africa businesses28 December 2023, Published under Cement NewsInterCement Participações SA has announced that the divestment of its businesses in South Africa and Mozambique – collectively known as the ‘Africa Business’ – to Huaxin Cement Co. Ltd (China), has been concluded upon receipt of the provisional price of USD231.6m. As provided for in the previously executed Stock Purchase Agreement, the provisional price will be adjusted in due course considering net debt, other customary adjustments and working capital levels of the Africa Business. |
South Africa regulator recalls Econo Cement product13 December 2023, Published under Cement NewsSouth African company Econo Cement has been accused of having a 'sub-standard' product by the National Regulator for Compulsory Specifications (NRCS). The regulator has asked consumers and hardware stores to participate in a nationwide recall of Econo Cement's CEM V/A S-V 32.5 N product after investigations found it failed to meet the minimum requirements of prescribed strength. CEO of the NRCS, Duncan Mutengwe, said the move was in the public interest to ensure the product does not pose... |