Concrete

Balancing Expansion and Challenges

Published

11 months ago

March 19, 2024

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The Indian cement industry is gearing up for significant expansion and investment, driven by a rise in capital expenditure in the interim budget. Companies such as Shree Cement and JSW are at the forefront of this expansion strategy, with ambitious plans for capacity expansion. Shree Cement, for instance, has unveiled plans for a major cement capacity expansion in Uttar Pradesh, reflecting the industry’s bullish outlook. Similarly, the JSW Group has announced a massive investment of Rs.65,000 crore to set up cement, power and steel plants in Odisha, demonstrating the widespread industry momentum.
Despite this surge in investment and expansion, the overall growth of India’s eight core sectors has slowed, with a modest 3.6 per cent increase in January, marking the lowest growth in 15 months. The Indian cement makers are expected to face a decline in core profit per tonne in the fourth quarter, as per a report by Emkay Research. These factors indicate a challenging operating environment for the cement industry despite the expansion plans.
Adding to the industry’s concerns is the release of default values for carbon emissions by the EU under the proposed Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM). This development could have a notable impact on Indian steel and cement exporters, potentially leading to increased reporting and compliance requirements related to emissions.
In light of these developments, the Indian cement industry finds itself at a critical juncture. While expansion plans signal positive growth prospects, challenges such as declining core profits and potential impacts from EU regulations pose significant hurdles. As the industry navigates these complexities, stakeholders will need to closely monitor market dynamics and regulatory changes to make informed decisions and sustainably drive future growth.
The Indian cement industry’s trajectory is shaped by a confluence of factors, from growth initiatives and challenges within the domestic landscape to potential impacts stemming from international regulatory developments. Navigating these dynamics will require a balanced approach, encompassing strategic investments, operational efficiencies and adaptability to evolving regulatory frameworks.

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Concrete

GMDC Inks Long-Term Limestone Supply Deal With JK Cement

The agreement has been signed for supply of 250 million tonne.

Published

9 hours ago

February 3, 2025

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State-owned GMDC said it has entered into a long-term pact with JK Cement Ltd for the supply of limestone from its upcoming mine in Gujarat.

The agreement has been signed for supply of 250 million tonnes of limestone over a period of 40 years from its upcoming Lakhpat Punrajpur Mine in Lakhpat Taluka of Kutch district in Gujarat.

This agreement will help JK Cement Ltd in setting up an integrated mega-capacity cement plant, fostering industrial growth in the region.Kutch’s coastal proximity, improved access to domestic and international markets, and cost-efficient logistics position it as an ideal hub for cement production.

The state-owned company has five operational lignite mines in Kutch, South Gujarat, and Bhavnagar region.

Concrete

GMDC, J K Cement Ltd. Tie-up for Limestone from Lakhpat Punrajpur Mine

This agreement underscores GMDC Ltd.’s commitment to fostering industrial growt

Published

17 hours ago

February 3, 2025

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Gujarat Mineral Development Corporation Ltd. (GMDC) has signed a Long-Term Supply Agreement (LSA) with JK Cement Ltd. for the supply of 250 million tonnes of limestone over a period of 40 years from its upcoming Lakhpat Punrajpur Mine in Lakhpat Taluka of Kutch District in Gujarat. The signing event was chaired by the Chairman of GMDC Ltd. Dr. Hasmukh Adhia, IAS (Retd.) on January 29, 2025 and the agreement was officially formalised by Roopwant Singh, IAS, Managing Director of GMDC Ltd., and Anuj Khandelwal, Business Head – Grey Cement of JK Cement Ltd., representing their respective organisations.

This agreement marks a strategic partnership towards monetising the large limestone asset of GMDC Ltd. and benefiting both the partners. It will support J K Cement Ltd. in setting up a greenfield integrated mega-capacity cement plant, fostering industrial growth in the region. The collaboration will stimulate investment, enhance industrial development, and generate thousands of direct and indirect employment opportunities in Kutch, contributing significantly to the socio-economic progress of Gujarat. Kutch’s coastal proximity, improved access to domestic and international markets, and cost-efficient logistics position it as an ideal hub for cement production. Furthermore, this initiative will contribute substantially to the State Exchequer through revenue generation in the form of Royalty, National Mineral Exploration Trust (NMET) contributions, District Mineral Foundation (DMF) funds, and Goods & Services Tax (GST) on both limestone and cement production.

This agreement underscores GMDC Ltd.’s commitment to fostering industrial growth while ensuring the sustainable utilization of mineral resources, thereby strengthening Gujarat’s position as a leading industrial and economic State.

Concrete

JK Cement Acquires Majority Stake in Saifco Cement to Expand in J&K

Saifco has an annual turnover of around Rs 860 million.

Published

2 days ago

February 1, 2025

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JK Cement has made a significant move in its growth strategy by acquiring a 60% equity stake in Saifco Cement, a cement manufacturer based in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir. The acquisition, valued at approximately Rs 1.74 billion, was approved during a board meeting on January 25, 2025.

Located in Khunmoh, Srinagar, Saifco’s integrated manufacturing unit, which includes both clinker and grinding capacities, aligns with JK Cement’s expansion plans. Saifco has an annual turnover of around Rs 860 million, and this acquisition not only strengthens JK Cement’s presence in the region but also offers a strategic advantage in the competitive Indian cement industry.

Saifco’s facility, spread across 54 acres, has a clinker capacity of 0.26 million tonnes per annum and a grinding capacity of 0.42 million tonnes per annum. The site also holds captive limestone reserves across 144.25 hectares, with a mineable reserve of 129 million tonnes.

This deal, which is expected to close after receiving regulatory approvals, allows JK Cement to tap into Saifco’s established infrastructure, sidestepping the time-consuming process of greenfield expansion. The acquisition will also position JK Cement to benefit from Saifco’s established market presence and supply chain.

The move signals JK Cement’s ambition to expand further in the Jammu and Kashmir market and beyond, positioning Saifco as a key regional player under JK Cement’s umbrella. The acquisition could also lead to potential job creation and greater economic opportunities for local suppliers. As part of the integration, JK Cement is expected to bring operational synergies, improving production efficiency and cost management.

This deal is seen as a model for regional consolidation in India’s growing cement industry, with JK Cement’s established brand and distribution network poised to enhance Saifco’s operations and product offerings in the region.

(Greater Kashmir)