Latest news with #Lafarge
CTV News
6 days ago
- Business
- CTV News
‘Almost intolerable:' Airdrie business concerned over potentially hazardous dust emitted from concrete company
Airdrie's Western R.V. dealership says its neighbour, Tanas Concrete, has not been cleaning up the mess left behind by its plant. Some Airdrie business owners are concerned about the dust blowing over from a neighbouring concrete business, calling it a health and environmental hazard. Western R.V., a dealership for recreational vehicles and campers says their vehicles are consistently coated in dust coming from the business to the southeast. Tanas Concrete, now owned by Lafarge, has been operating on 58 East Lake Crescent since 2016. Bruce Urban says he's noticed more dust and activity within the past five years, and says his staff and customers are worried about inhaling the fine dust. 'It's getting almost intolerable at this point,' he said. He and his son Brandon, tell CTV News they have reached out to the Airdrie mayor's office, every councillor, local MLAs and federally elected officials to address their concerns and complaints. 'I need to try to take action, but what's the action when the politicians don't want to listen? When you're up against a wall like that, my question is what do you do? Do you shut down your business because your employees are being put through this?' said Urban. Concrete and silica Concrete often contains crystalline silica, which can be harmful when inhaled, according to the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS). It adds, silica particles can have damaging effects on the lungs, and have been known to cause lung cancer. CTV News has reached out to Lafarge, and is waiting for a response to our request for comment. The City of Airdrie sent a statement which reads: 'An investigation is currently underway. We are unable to provide any specific details until the investigation is complete.' The city is also working to determine 'which areas of the expressed concern fall within the municipal areas of responsibility.' According to open data, the land-use for the concrete business is zoned as a heavy industrial employment district, while the adjacent properties to the north are zoned as an industrial park employment district. 'Clean it up' The property owner of a parcel of land to the immediate west of the concrete company says he too has been reaching out to various government organizations with concerns. 'I'd just like to see the City of Airdrie follow what the Alberta government says they should be doing,' said Ken Maines before adding, 'clean it up.' The province sent an Environmental Protection Officer to the Tanas Concrete property on May 14, according to an email obtained by CTV News from the department of Environment and Protected Areas. The officer provided a list of corrective actions for the company. These actions include; daily road sweeping in the yard and public roads, improvements to its street sweeper machinery, regrading land in the yard, installing a mat system to clean mud off the cars, and 'application of calcium chloride on their yard for dust control will be completed by the first week in June 2025.' As for health concerns, the email stated: 'Understanding the potential health impacts that the dust may have, EPA does not address specific health hazards. For concerns related to health and safety, we recommend contacting Alberta Health Services and/or Alberta Occupational Health Safety directly, as they are the appropriate authority to provide guidance and support on these matters.' Brandon Urban says he will be directing further complaints about dust as suggested. His father, Bruce Urban, says he wants to see a more urgent response. 'We need somebody to listen.'
Yahoo
02-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Government Initiatives Propel Growth of Sustainable Portland Cement - Innovative and Eco-friendly Cement Products on the Rise
Portland cement market set to grow from 2.4 billion tons in 2024 to 3.2 billion tons by 2033, with a 3.05% CAGR. Driven by rising construction activities, urbanization, and sustainable development, Asia Pacific leads the market. Major players like Mitsubishi, Lafarge, and Holcim innovate for greener solutions. Portland Cement Market Dublin, June 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Portland Cement Market Report by Type (Type 1, Type 2, Type 3, Type 4, Type 5), Application Sector (Residential, Commercial, Industrial), Packing Type (10 KG, 15 KG, 25 KG, and Others), Trade Data (Import Trends, Export Trends), and Region 2025-2033" has been added to offering. The global Portland cement market, valued at 2.4 Billion Tons in 2024, is projected to expand to 3.2 Billion Tons by 2033, with a CAGR of 3.05% between 2025 and 2033. Key growth drivers include increased demand for housing and commercial spaces, ongoing construction and infrastructure projects, and government initiatives promoting industrialization and sustainable development. As a crucial construction material, Portland cement's role in building infrastructures is paramount, driving its global demand. It comprises clinker, gypsum, and essential additives. Current trends show a shift towards sustainable construction materials, influencing market growth alongside the adoption of low-maintenance, durable building materials. The push for green buildings to curb carbon emissions further bolsters this market. Technological advancements enhancing energy efficiency and sustainability present lucrative opportunities for investors. Additionally, the demand for competitively priced Portland cement and infrastructure for sports facilities contributes to market growth. Market Trends/Drivers: Construction and Infrastructure Development Ongoing global construction and infrastructure projects significantly drive the market. The trend towards residential area renovations enhances aesthetics and utility, coupled with the demand for high-quality cement for aging infrastructure. Portland cement's superior binding properties make it ideal for robust structures. Rising Demand for Housing and Commercial Spaces Population growth and urbanization escalate the need for housing and commercial spaces, promoting the cement industry's expansion. Portland cement is pivotal in constructing various infrastructures-buildings, roads, bridges-offering unmatched versatility and durability. The rise of mass transit systems globally further supports market growth. Government Initiatives Governments worldwide foster market growth through investments in smart city projects and incentives for green building construction. Increasing demand for cement in manufacturing, logistics, energy, and transportation sectors aligns with these developmental agendas. Rapid industrialization and urban migration accentuate this trend. Report Segmentation Industry Segmentation: By Type: Type 1 (largest segment) Type 2 Type 3 Type 4 Type 5 By Application Sector: Residential (largest segment) Commercial Industrial By Packing Type: 10 KG 15 KG 25 KG (largest segment) Others By Trade Data: Import Trends Export Trends By Region: Asia Pacific (dominant region) North America Europe Middle East and Africa Latin America Asia Pacific leads the market due to rapid urbanization and a surge in residential developments. Favorable policies for smart city projects and the growing demand for high-grade cement also drive regional growth. Competitive Landscape: Key players focus on R&D for innovative products, including eco-friendly cements and high-performance materials. Efforts in sustainability are evident through reduced energy consumption and carbon capture technologies. Companies like Mitsubishi Cement Corporation, Lafarge, Heidelberg Cement, and others dominate the landscape, with enhancements in digital technologies improving efficiency. Key Attributes: Report Attribute Details No. of Pages 134 Forecast Period 2024 - 2033 Estimated Market Value in 2024 2.4 Billion Tons Forecasted Market Value by 2033 3.2 Billion Tons Compound Annual Growth Rate 3.2% Regions Covered Global Key Topics Covered: Scope and Methodology Executive Summary Introduction Overview Key Industry Trends Global Portland Cement Market Market Overview Market Performance Market Breakup by Type Market Breakup by Application Sector Market Breakup by Packing Type Market Breakup by Imports and Exports Market Breakup by Region Market Forecast Market Breakup by Type Market Breakup by Application Sector Market Breakup by Packing Type Trade Data Market Breakup by Region SWOT Analysis Value Chain Analysis Porter's Five Forces Analysis Price Analysis Competitive Landscape Companies Featured Mitsubishi Cement Corporation Alamo Cement Company Lafarge Martin Marietta Heidelberg Cement National Cement Company American Cement Company Holcim Argos Essroc China National Building Material Salt River Materials Group Italcementi Anhui Conch Cement Ash Grove Cement Company Tanzania Portland Cement Company Quikrete CalPortland Company Capitol Aggregates CEMEX GCC of America Lehigh Hanson NationalCement Company of Alabama Ultratech Cement BuzziUnicem USA For more information about this report visit About is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends. Attachment Portland Cement Market CONTACT: CONTACT: Laura Wood,Senior Press Manager press@ For E.S.T Office Hours Call 1-917-300-0470 For U.S./ CAN Toll Free Call 1-800-526-8630 For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
02-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Government Initiatives Propel Growth of Sustainable Portland Cement - Innovative and Eco-friendly Cement Products on the Rise
Portland cement market set to grow from 2.4 billion tons in 2024 to 3.2 billion tons by 2033, with a 3.05% CAGR. Driven by rising construction activities, urbanization, and sustainable development, Asia Pacific leads the market. Major players like Mitsubishi, Lafarge, and Holcim innovate for greener solutions. Portland Cement Market Dublin, June 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Portland Cement Market Report by Type (Type 1, Type 2, Type 3, Type 4, Type 5), Application Sector (Residential, Commercial, Industrial), Packing Type (10 KG, 15 KG, 25 KG, and Others), Trade Data (Import Trends, Export Trends), and Region 2025-2033" has been added to offering. The global Portland cement market, valued at 2.4 Billion Tons in 2024, is projected to expand to 3.2 Billion Tons by 2033, with a CAGR of 3.05% between 2025 and 2033. Key growth drivers include increased demand for housing and commercial spaces, ongoing construction and infrastructure projects, and government initiatives promoting industrialization and sustainable development. As a crucial construction material, Portland cement's role in building infrastructures is paramount, driving its global demand. It comprises clinker, gypsum, and essential additives. Current trends show a shift towards sustainable construction materials, influencing market growth alongside the adoption of low-maintenance, durable building materials. The push for green buildings to curb carbon emissions further bolsters this market. Technological advancements enhancing energy efficiency and sustainability present lucrative opportunities for investors. Additionally, the demand for competitively priced Portland cement and infrastructure for sports facilities contributes to market growth. Market Trends/Drivers: Construction and Infrastructure Development Ongoing global construction and infrastructure projects significantly drive the market. The trend towards residential area renovations enhances aesthetics and utility, coupled with the demand for high-quality cement for aging infrastructure. Portland cement's superior binding properties make it ideal for robust structures. Rising Demand for Housing and Commercial Spaces Population growth and urbanization escalate the need for housing and commercial spaces, promoting the cement industry's expansion. Portland cement is pivotal in constructing various infrastructures-buildings, roads, bridges-offering unmatched versatility and durability. The rise of mass transit systems globally further supports market growth. Government Initiatives Governments worldwide foster market growth through investments in smart city projects and incentives for green building construction. Increasing demand for cement in manufacturing, logistics, energy, and transportation sectors aligns with these developmental agendas. Rapid industrialization and urban migration accentuate this trend. Report Segmentation Industry Segmentation: By Type: Type 1 (largest segment) Type 2 Type 3 Type 4 Type 5 By Application Sector: Residential (largest segment) Commercial Industrial By Packing Type: 10 KG 15 KG 25 KG (largest segment) Others By Trade Data: Import Trends Export Trends By Region: Asia Pacific (dominant region) North America Europe Middle East and Africa Latin America Asia Pacific leads the market due to rapid urbanization and a surge in residential developments. Favorable policies for smart city projects and the growing demand for high-grade cement also drive regional growth. Competitive Landscape: Key players focus on R&D for innovative products, including eco-friendly cements and high-performance materials. Efforts in sustainability are evident through reduced energy consumption and carbon capture technologies. Companies like Mitsubishi Cement Corporation, Lafarge, Heidelberg Cement, and others dominate the landscape, with enhancements in digital technologies improving efficiency. Key Attributes: Report Attribute Details No. of Pages 134 Forecast Period 2024 - 2033 Estimated Market Value in 2024 2.4 Billion Tons Forecasted Market Value by 2033 3.2 Billion Tons Compound Annual Growth Rate 3.2% Regions Covered Global Key Topics Covered: Scope and Methodology Executive Summary Introduction Overview Key Industry Trends Global Portland Cement Market Market Overview Market Performance Market Breakup by Type Market Breakup by Application Sector Market Breakup by Packing Type Market Breakup by Imports and Exports Market Breakup by Region Market Forecast Market Breakup by Type Market Breakup by Application Sector Market Breakup by Packing Type Trade Data Market Breakup by Region SWOT Analysis Value Chain Analysis Porter's Five Forces Analysis Price Analysis Competitive Landscape Companies Featured Mitsubishi Cement Corporation Alamo Cement Company Lafarge Martin Marietta Heidelberg Cement National Cement Company American Cement Company Holcim Argos Essroc China National Building Material Salt River Materials Group Italcementi Anhui Conch Cement Ash Grove Cement Company Tanzania Portland Cement Company Quikrete CalPortland Company Capitol Aggregates CEMEX GCC of America Lehigh Hanson NationalCement Company of Alabama Ultratech Cement BuzziUnicem USA For more information about this report visit About is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends. Attachment Portland Cement Market CONTACT: CONTACT: Laura Wood,Senior Press Manager press@ For E.S.T Office Hours Call 1-917-300-0470 For U.S./ CAN Toll Free Call 1-800-526-8630 For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900
Yahoo
26-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Trump's terrorist label for cartels raises prosecution risks for companies
By Luc Cohen NEW YORK (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump's designation of drug cartels as terrorist organizations heightens the risk of U.S. criminal prosecutions for American companies operating in parts of Latin America and migrants to the United States, legal experts said. On February 19, the State Department designated the Sinaloa Cartel, Tren de Aragua, and six other Latin American criminal groups as global terrorist organizations, part of the Republican administration's crackdown on gangs it says are flooding the U.S. with drugs and helping migrants cross illegally. See for yourself — The Yodel is the go-to source for daily news, entertainment and feel-good stories. By signing up, you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy. In a memo on February 5 - after Trump had signaled his intent to label the cartels as terrorist groups, but before the designations were formally made - Attorney General Pam Bondi said the move would enable Justice Department prosecutors to charge cartel leaders with terrorism. Six legal experts consulted by Reuters said the designations could also potentially leave U.S. companies and migrants who pay cartels for help crossing the border subject to prosecution for material support of a terrorist group under the U.S. criminal code. The Justice Department and the White House did not respond to requests for comment. To be sure, Reuters could not identify any prosecutions of companies under the statute in the week since the designations were implemented. But former prosecutors said companies operating in parts of Mexico, where many companies have reported receiving demands for protection payments from organized crime groups, could be at risk of being charged if they make payments to groups now labeled terrorists. A 2024 study from the American Chamber of Commerce in Mexico of 218 companies showed 45% had received demands for protection payments. "Companies need to know who they're dealing with and reassess that in light of these designations," said Brendan Quigley, a former federal prosecutor in Manhattan and current partner at law firm Baker Botts. The risk of criminal prosecution also applies to non-U.S. companies with American operations, said Stephen Reynolds, a former federal prosecutor and current partner at law firm Day Pitney. The Justice Department has in the past charged large companies with providing material support for groups the U.S. government labeled as terrorists in instances where the companies paid those organizations to be able to keep operating in territory they controlled. In 2022, French cement maker Lafarge pleaded guilty in U.S. court and agreed to pay $778 million in forfeiture and fines over its Syrian subsidiary's $5.92 million in payments in 2013 and 2014, through intermediaries, to Islamic State and al Nusra Front after civil conflict broke out. Lafarge's payments to the groups, designated terrorists by the U.S., were meant to allow the company's employees, customers and suppliers to pass through checkpoints, ultimately enabling it to earn $70 million in sales revenue from a plant it operated in northern Syria, prosecutors said. Swiss-listed Holcim , which acquired Lafarge in 2015, did not respond to a request for comment. The company said in 2022 that the conduct "is in stark contrast with everything that Holcim stands for." In her memo, Bondi said the Justice Department's foreign bribery unit would focus on cases involving cartels and other transnational criminal groups. The designation of the cartels has "enormous implications" for U.S. businesses given the high volume of trade between the U.S. and Mexico, Central and South America, said Andrew Adams, a former federal prosecutor and current partner at law firm Steptoe. Mexico is the United States' largest trading partner, representing over 15% of total trade. The U.S. imported more than $475 billion of Mexican products in 2023. Criminal prosecution is not the only risk. U.S. law allows victims of violence by terrorist-designated groups, or relatives of those victims, to file civil claims in U.S. courts seeking damages from anyone deemed to have helped the group, said Carlton Greene, a partner at law firm Crowell & Moring and a former official in the Justice and Treasury Departments. Last year, a Florida jury ordered banana producer Chiquita Brands International to pay $38.3 million in damages to the families of eight Colombian men killed by a paramilitary group that had been designated a terrorist organization by the U.S. Chiquita is appealing the verdict. Its lawyers did not respond to a request for comment. It has said the paramilitary group threatened its workers, and that it made the payments to keep them safe. POSSIBILITY FOR MORE SEVERE SENTENCES The material support statute could also be used to prosecute migrants who paid someone linked to a cartel to help smuggle them across the U.S. border, or who send money back home to family members in areas with a heavy cartel presence, said Andrew Dalack, a lawyer with the Federal Defenders of New York. "It could be used to really aggressively go after undocumented folks in particular for things that were not previously chargeable," Dalack said. The designation enables prosecutors to charge someone caught moving a cartel's drugs with narcoterrorism, a crime carrying a 20-year mandatory prison sentence, said New York defense lawyer Zachary Margulis-Ohnuma. That is double the 10-year mandatory minimum for possession with intent to distribute, a common charge in run-of-the-mill drug cases. "It doubles the mandatory minimum for exactly the same conduct," Margulis-Ohnuma said.
Reuters
26-02-2025
- Business
- Reuters
Trump's terrorist label for cartels raises prosecution risks for companies
Summary Companies Designation could lead to prosecution of U.S. companies for cartel payments Legal experts warn of risks for migrants paying cartels for border crossing Civil claims possible against those deemed to have aided terrorist-designated groups, experts say NEW YORK, Feb 26 (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump 's designation of drug cartels as terrorist organizations heightens the risk of U.S. criminal prosecutions for American companies operating in parts of Latin America and migrants to the United States, legal experts said. On February 19, the State Department designated the Sinaloa Cartel, Tren de Aragua, and six other Latin American criminal groups as global terrorist organizations, part of the Republican administration's crackdown on gangs it says are flooding the U.S. with drugs and helping migrants cross illegally. In a memo on February 5 - after Trump had signaled his intent to label the cartels as terrorist groups, but before the designations were formally made - Attorney General Pam Bondi said the move would enable Justice Department prosecutors to charge cartel leaders with terrorism. Six legal experts consulted by Reuters said the designations could also potentially leave U.S. companies and migrants who pay cartels for help crossing the border subject to prosecution for material support of a terrorist group under the U.S. criminal code. The Justice Department and the White House did not respond to requests for comment. To be sure, Reuters could not identify any prosecutions of companies under the statute in the week since the designations were implemented. But former prosecutors said companies operating in parts of Mexico, where many companies have reported receiving demands for protection payments from organized crime groups, could be at risk of being charged if they make payments to groups now labeled terrorists. A 2024 study from the American Chamber of Commerce in Mexico of 218 companies showed 45% had received demands for protection payments. "Companies need to know who they're dealing with and reassess that in light of these designations," said Brendan Quigley, a former federal prosecutor in Manhattan and current partner at law firm Baker Botts. The risk of criminal prosecution also applies to non-U.S. companies with American operations, said Stephen Reynolds, a former federal prosecutor and current partner at law firm Day Pitney. The Justice Department has in the past charged large companies with providing material support for groups the U.S. government labeled as terrorists in instances where the companies paid those organizations to be able to keep operating in territory they controlled. In 2022, French cement maker Lafarge pleaded guilty in U.S. court and agreed to pay $778 million in forfeiture and fines over its Syrian subsidiary's $5.92 million in payments in 2013 and 2014, through intermediaries, to Islamic State and al Nusra Front after civil conflict broke out. Lafarge's payments to the groups, designated terrorists by the U.S., were meant to allow the company's employees, customers and suppliers to pass through checkpoints, ultimately enabling it to earn $70 million in sales revenue from a plant it operated in northern Syria, prosecutors said. Swiss-listed Holcim (HOLN.S), opens new tab, which acquired Lafarge in 2015, did not respond to a request for comment. The company said in 2022 that the conduct "is in stark contrast with everything that Holcim stands for." In her memo, Bondi said the Justice Department's foreign bribery unit would focus on cases involving cartels and other transnational criminal groups. The designation of the cartels has "enormous implications" for U.S. businesses given the high volume of trade between the U.S. and Mexico, Central and South America, said Andrew Adams, a former federal prosecutor and current partner at law firm Steptoe. Mexico is the United States' largest trading partner, representing over 15% of total trade. The U.S. imported more than $475 billion of Mexican products in 2023. Criminal prosecution is not the only risk. U.S. law allows victims of violence by terrorist-designated groups, or relatives of those victims, to file civil claims in U.S. courts seeking damages from anyone deemed to have helped the group, said Carlton Greene, a partner at law firm Crowell & Moring and a former official in the Justice and Treasury Departments. Last year, a Florida jury ordered banana producer Chiquita Brands International to pay $38.3 million in damages to the families of eight Colombian men killed by a paramilitary group that had been designated a terrorist organization by the U.S. Chiquita is appealing the verdict. Its lawyers did not respond to a request for comment. It has said the paramilitary group threatened its workers, and that it made the payments to keep them safe. POSSIBILITY FOR MORE SEVERE SENTENCES The material support statute could also be used to prosecute migrants who paid someone linked to a cartel to help smuggle them across the U.S. border, or who send money back home to family members in areas with a heavy cartel presence, said Andrew Dalack, a lawyer with the Federal Defenders of New York. "It could be used to really aggressively go after undocumented folks in particular for things that were not previously chargeable," Dalack said. The designation enables prosecutors to charge someone caught moving a cartel's drugs with narcoterrorism, a crime carrying a 20-year mandatory prison sentence, said New York defense lawyer Zachary Margulis-Ohnuma. That is double the 10-year mandatory minimum for possession with intent to distribute, a common charge in run-of-the-mill drug cases. "It doubles the mandatory minimum for exactly the same conduct," Margulis-Ohnuma said.
