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Cement

Cement is a binding material used in construction to bond aggregates such as sand and gravel into concrete, and is a fundamental component of the global building and infrastructure industries. It is produced by heating limestone and clay or other silica-bearing materials in a kiln at temperatures exceeding 1 400 °C, forming clinker, which is then ground with gypsum to create the fine powder known as cement. The most common type is Portland cement, which accounts for the majority of global production and is used in applications ranging from residential buildings to large-scale infrastructure projects such as roads, bridges, dams and ports. Cement manufacturing is energy-intensive and relies heavily on coal, electricity and alternative fuels, making it sensitive to energy costs and supply constraints. The industry is also a significant source of carbon dioxide emissions, both from the combustion of fuels and the chemical process of calcining limestone, prompting growing investment in lower-carbon technologies and alternative binders. Major cement producers operate integrated plants that combine quarrying, clinker production and grinding, often located near limestone deposits to minimise transport costs. In Africa, cement demand is driven by urbanisation, population growth and infrastructure development, with South Africa, Nigeria, Egypt and Kenya among the largest markets. The sector is characterised by high capital intensity, economies of scale and regional market structures, with multinational groups and domestic players competing alongside state-owned enterprises in some countries. Cement prices are influenced by raw material availability, energy costs, transport logistics, import competition and construction activity cycles. The industry faces ongoing challenges including energy security, environmental regulation, capacity utilisation and the need to balance growth with sustainability objectives.

Cement News


Mpume Mabaso-Mlalazi, Research & Development Manager at Chryso Southern Africa
Chryso R&D Allows Scaled Rollout of Calcined Clay Cement
12th June 2026

Abundant deposits of clay across Africa make limestone calcined clay cement (LC³) a popular lower carbon option for the continent and Chryso Southern Africa is finding innovative solutions to the... 


a handful of refuse waste and high-calorific materials
Alternative fuels can reduce costs
5th June 2026 By: Halima Frost

Converting hazardous waste and high-calorific materials into alternative fuels has enabled cement manufacturing facilities to partially or fully replace the coal used to fire cement kilns.... 


Association marks ten-year anniversary
5th June 2026

International cement association and representative body the World Cement Association (WCA), celebrated its tenth anniversary on May 18, 2026, adding that this milestone was achieved during a... 


Lime production in Zambia
ZCCM-IH, Wonderful Group to invest $30m on reviving Ndola lime production facility
27th May 2026 By: Creamer Media Reporter

Zambia's State-owned mineral and energy investment holding company ZCCM Investment Holdings (ZCCM-IH) has entered into a joint venture (JV) with the Wonderful Group of Companies to develop and... 


Afrimat CEO Andries van Heerden
Afrimat posts solid results; sets focus on growing cash generation, reducing debt
21st May 2026 By: Schalk Burger

Although it remains profitable, is able to service its debt and posted good results for the financial year ended February 28, JSE-listed construction materials and industrial minerals mining... 


Iron-ore operation in Brazil
Brazil proposes three-phase carbon market rollout starting 2027
20th May 2026 By: Reuters

Brazil's Finance Ministry on Tuesday released a preliminary proposal for phased sectoral coverage of the country's regulated carbon market, outlining which industries will be required to report... 


A flue at the Kusile power station
New technology nearing pilot-plant stage
8th May 2026 By: Halima Frost

To advance its locally developed carbon capture and utilisation (CCU) technology, South African company EPCM Global Engineering is progressing to the next stage of development through a... 


The Nkomati anthracite mine
Afrimat to report higher full-year EPS, HEPS
21st April 2026 By: Sabrina Jardim

JSE-listed Afrimat expects to report a 22.1% to 32.1% year-on-year increase in earnings per share (EPS) to between 76.9c and 83.2c for the financial year ended February 28. In a trading statement,... 


Image of an a person wearing a hardhat working on a laptop
Generative AI enhances insights into energy management systems
17th April 2026

Electrification and automation technology specialist ABB has integrated its generative AI solution, ABB Ability Industrial Knowledge Vault (IKV) with its ABB Ability Energy Management System (EMS).... 


Image of SKF Cooper sealed split spherical roller bearings
Innovative bearings reduce repair time and keep operations moving
9th April 2026

SKF Cooper sealed split spherical roller bearings feature precision‑engineered joining methods that secure the inner and outer rings for optimal structural integrity. The sealing system... 


PPC CEO Matias Cardarelli
PPC says ‘more to come’ from turnaround even if market remains subdued
3rd April 2026 By: Terence Creamer

PPC CEO Matias Cardarelli says there is “more to come” from the cement producer’s operational and financial turnaround regardless of whether market conditions, which have remained subdued during... 


Image of a cement mixer at a road construction site
Increased demand for construction materials fuelled by growing urbanisation
19th February 2026

It is estimated that by 2035 more than 70% of South Africa’s population will live in towns and cities. This rapid urbanisation and concomitant demand for affordable housing presents opportunities... 


The Nkomati anthracite mine
Afrimat reports stable performance, expects trading conditions to remain difficult in coming year
17th February 2026 By: Schalk Burger

JSE-listed industrial minerals and construction materials producer Afrimat, in a pre-close operational update for its financial year ending on February 28, said trading conditions were expected to... 


An image of a lubricants system
Lubrication solutions ensure reliability and precision
13th February 2026

Lubrication systems manufacturer Bijur Delimon’s systems are designed to enhance reliability, reduce friction and ensure precise lubrication delivery in light, medium and heavy industrial... 


TORQUE LIMITER
BMG’s Power Transmission division has extended its range of Rexnord products to include Rexnord’s Autogard torque limiters
Torque limiting solutions protect drive equipment against overload
6th February 2026

Industrial equipment supplier BMG’s Power Transmission division has extended its range of Rexnord products to include Rexnord’s Autogard torque limiters, which are designed to protect machinery,... 


Amit Dawneerangen, AfriSam Construction Materials Executive – Sales & Product Technical
The future of urbanisation in South Africa and AfriSam’s role in building it
4th February 2026

South Africa is entering a new era of urban growth. Already a predominantly urban country, it is estimated that by 2035 more than 70% of the population will live in towns and cities. This rapid... 


Shaun Blumberg, COO of Tru-Trac
Tru-Trac leverages AI to bring real-time accuracy for conveyor belt scales
1st December 2025

As the industrial sector undergoes rapid digital transformation, conveyor systems - once regarded as passive infrastructure - are emerging as intelligent data sources. Shaun Blumberg, COO of... 


Multistage Dewatering Pumps Improve Efficiency for UK Mining Facility
Multistage Dewatering Pumps Improve Efficiency for UK Mining Facility
28th November 2025

Effective dewatering sits at the heart of modern mining. It ensures operations remain productive and that the mine can continue to function safely and sustainably. When water isn’t properly... 


Image of a road under construction
High-performance solution to strengthening South Africa’s roads
28th November 2025

A purpose-designed stabilising cement from AfriSam is said to provide engineers and contractors with a dependable high-performance solution for improving the strength, durability and longevity of... 


AfriSam’s Roadstab Cement has been specifically engineered for road construction, ensuring superior strength, durability and consistent performance
AfriSam RoadStab – Strengthening South Africa’s roads for the long haul
26th November 2025

AfriSam’s Roadstab Cement continues to play a vital role in strengthening the country’s road infrastructure. As a purpose-designed stabilising cement, it provides engineers and contractors with a... 


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