Spain: Topcret has added to two new products to its decorative microcement coatings range. BabaxEco and EcoCemento both comprise cement, fine sand, polymers and pigments. Topcret was the first microcement coatings producer to obtain environmental product declarations (EPDs) for its products.
Block-Lite to retrofit CO2-curing system at Flagstaff concrete block plant
US: Block-Lite plans to install a system to cure concrete blocks using direct air capture (DAC)-sourced CO2 at its Flagstaff, Arizona, concrete block plant. The upgrade will implement CarbonBuilt’s low-CO2 concrete production technology and AirCapture’s modular DAC technology, across five or six capture units. Direct air capture will thus remove 500 – 600t/yr of CO2 from the atmosphere, while process changes will reduce CO2 emissions from the Flagstaff plant by over 2000t/yr. The project has attracted fundraising from the 4 Corners Carbon Coalition (4CCC), with a goal of US$50,000. The Arizon Daily Sun newspaper has reported that Block-Lite plans to supply its first shipment of low-CO2 blocks to a 50-home development by Habitat for Humanity in Flagstaff.
Shimsho inaugurates Darvoz dry construction mixes plant
Tajikistan: Shimsho has commissioned its new 15,500t/yr Darvoz dry construction mixes plant in Durobak. The government of Tajikistan says that the plant is equipped with Chinese technology, and uses locally mined calcite, cement, lime and gypsum in its dry construction mixes production. It will sell the mixes in 20, 25 and 30kg bags. It will directly employ 25 local people.
Cemento País’ upcoming 475,000t/yr Aguas Prietas grinding plant nears completion
Colombia: Cemento País expects to commission its upcoming Aguas Prietas grinding plant in Turbaco, Bolívar, soon. The plant will have a capacity of 0.48t/yr, and cost US$20m in total. ESEuro News has reported that investors in Cemento País include engineering and construction firm AGM Desarrollos. The owners expect to corner a 15% share in Colombia’s Atlantic Coast cement market. The Aguas Prietas grinding plant will also produce 300,000m3/yr of ready-mix concrete.