New Zealand: Statistics New Zealand recorded ready-mix concrete production of 1.9Mm3 in the first half of 2026, up by 7% year-on-year.
Consultancy Infometrics said that non-residential work volumes are set to fall further, and that cost pressures might still restrict investment levels into infrastructure over 2026.
US: West Alabama Ready Mix has commissioned a new ready-mix concrete batching plant at Jasper in Walker county, Alabama. The Jasper plant is the producer’s second, alongside an existing one at Winfield in Marion county.
Lithuania: Researchers at the Kaunas University of Technology (KTU) in Kaunas have developed circular geopolymer mortars for fire-resistant applications using materials sourced as refuse from various industrial processes in place of cement. These included metakaolin, sourced from discarded raw kaolin from glass production; ceramic materials and corundum, used in abrasive and high-temperature manufacturing. Researchers found that ceramic materials and corundum produced mortars with the highest strength after exposure to 800°C heat, up to 53MPa, and only limited microcracking. This makes the mortars better-suited to use for passive fire protection in boilers, chimneys and reactors than conventional cement-based mortars. KTU now plans to file a patent application, with a view to advancing to real-world adoption.
The team has previously investigated the use of various circular alternative raw materials as feedstocks, including phosphogypsum and reeds.
UK: Cemex UK has commissioned a new plant in Swindon, Wiltshire, to produce sprayed concrete and dry mortars. The plant deploys a drying process developed to lower required temperatures in production. The plant will enable Cemex UK’s Mortars division to grow its share in the South East and South West England markets, according to the producer.
