Global Slag News

US: CRH subsidiary Ash Grove Cement says that it is undertaking an upgrade of its Port Manatee, Florida deep water cement terminal to install a high capacity FLSmidth Kovako unloader and modernise existing material transfer and electrical systems, as well as establishing self-loading capabilities. The aim of the upgrade is “to improve Ash Grove’s capacity to import cement clinker, slag and fly ash to meet the existing and future needs of customers in the Florida and South Georgia markets.

Regional president Monica Manolas said, “The underlying fundamentals in the Florida market are positive with good population and employment growth. The upgrade of the Port Manatee import terminal will expand our capabilities and strengthen our ability to meet growing demand in the region.”

The company says that construction will begin in early 2021 and the upgraded terminal will open in late 2021.

Egypt: Suez Cement subsidiary Ready Mix Beton says that it has secured a contract for the supply of concrete for the construction of two new monorail lines projects. Due to begin in late-2020, the contract covers the construction of a monorail line between Cairo and the New Administrative Capital and another between 6 October City and Giza. The company says that it will use Suez Cement’s CEM III/A ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBFS) cement to produce concrete for the 96km monorail network.

Suez Cement said, “CEM III/A cement is highly recommended when building thick concrete supports and massive structures because its hydration temperature of less than 210kJ/kg reduces cracking compared with Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) when the applied concrete is subjected to dual exposure to sulphates and chloride ions, as happens in coastal areas.”

India: GM Iron & Steel Company Limited has published plans for the construction of a 0.4Mt/yr slag cement grinding plant in Dhenkanal, Odisha. United News of India has reported that the plant is part of an upcoming construction materials complex, including a 46MW captive power plant, that will cost US$82.7m, according to the company.

Germany: GMI Global’s Slag & Ash Trade Europe 2020 slag and ash conference will take place on 1- 2 October 2020 in Cologne, North Rhine-Westphalia. Keynote speaker Ana Heitor will give a speech entitled “The Use of Granular Waste Materials for Transport Infrastructure Applications,” reflecting on the construction applications of materials including granulated blast furnace slag (GBFS).

UK: Harsco has published its environmental report for 2019 - 20, a year in which it divested its industrial division, selling three subsidiaries, and acquired US-based hazardous and contaminated waste processing specialists Clean Earth and Stericycle Environmental Solutions, “creating a leading national hazardous waste management platform.” Globally, Harsco derived 80% of revenue over the twelve-month period that ended 30 June 2020 from environmental services, compared to 60% over the twelve months ending 30 June 2017. Chair and chief executive officer (CEO) Nicholas Grasberger said, “Advancing sustainability and being a more purpose-driven company will play an essential role in Harsco’s future.”