South Korea: Lotte Engineering & Construction and M-Tech have successfully developed a new 90% reduced-CO2 concrete with 5% cement content. Korea Economic Daily News has reported that the product has the same strength as ordinary Portland cement (OPC)-based concrete and has good resistance to salt damage.
SRM Institute of Science and Technology patents paving block containing waste printed circuit board
India: A team at SRM Institute of Science and Technology has patented a new concrete paving block produced using fibres from waste printed circuit board (WPCB). The refuse-derived material will replace some sand and clay in the concrete mix. SRM Institute of Science and Technology said that India generates 2Mt/yr of electronic waste (e-waste), and additionally imports this type of waste from other countries. Besides being non-biodegradable, WPCB is contaminated with colouring chemicals.
The developers said "The steadily rising volume of electronic waste poses a serious hazard to human health and the environment."
Ohorongo Cement supplies reduced-CO2 concrete for Sekelduin power plant
Namibia: Ohorongo Cement Namibia has supplied 3000m3 of cement to the site of NamPower's upcoming Sekelduin power plant in Swakopmund. Ohorongo Cement used 730t of its CEMIR cement, which contains 30% fly ash, combined with an additional 30% fly ash in the concrete mixer. The producer said that the extra ash increases the finished product's density, reducing permeability.
Ohorongo Cement said that the project is 'near completion,' having begun in mid-2021.
Australian competition authorities seek comment on Sika's MBCC Group acquisition
Australia: The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has called for public comment on Switzerland-based Sika's proposed acquisition of Germany-based fellow construction chemicals producer MBCC Group. The commission has raised 'preliminary concerns' over the possible competition impacts of Sika obtaining an 80% Australian market share as a result of the deal.
Sika group responded to the ACCC's concerns with an offer of an undertaking to divest MBCC Group's entire Australia and New Zealand business.