UAE: Renca, a technology start-up working with Dubai’s Future Accelerators programme, has developed a geopolymer cement from fly ash and ground granulated blast slag that can be used in 3D printing, according the National newspaper. The product’s advantage over Ordinary Portland Cement when used in additive manufacturing is that it can be used without additives making it cheaper.

The start-up is a joint venture between Andrey Dudnikov, a Russian businessmen, and Alex Reggiani, an Italian geologist and mineralogist. The company is working with the Dubai Municipality to develop its material for use in 3D printing projects in Dubai. The company is also looking to set up a plant for its product in the city.

US: Orcem Americas, a subsidiary of Ireland’s Ecocem, has been refused planning permission to build a slag cement plant in Vallejo, California. The cement producer was hoping to build a US$50m grinding plant but it faced opposition from local residents on environmental grounds, according to the Irish Times. The issues for the planners was an anticipated increase in the number of trucks on local roads and pollution from the plant. Orcem Americas can now appeal the decision to Vallejo’s City Council if it chooses.

US: Harsco’s sales revenue has fallen by 16% year-on-year to US$1.45bn in 2016 from US$1.72bn in 2015. Its adjusted operational income, excluding unusual items, fell by 14% to US$116m from US$135m. The steel services company blamed the falling sales on lower revenues from its Metals & Minerals and Industrial divisions despite a pick up in income in its fourth quarter.

“2016 proved to be a turning point for Harsco. We exceeded the key financial targets established at the beginning of the year, despite persistent end-market weakness,” said president and chief executive officer Nick Grasberger.

US: Slag cement shipments have grown by 12% in 2016 from 2015, according to the Slag Cement Association (SCA). It attributed the rise to the growing US economy and increased awareness of the benefits of the product in design, specification and construction communities

The SCA will also present the Slag Cement Project of the Year Awards at the American Concrete Institute’s Convention on 28 March 2017 in Detroit, Michigan. The awards will recognise eight projects from across the US in the categories of architectural design, concrete durability, green design, high performance, innovative applications, and sustainability. Award winners include a wide variety of projects including airports, buildings, residences, highways and stadiums.