Gypsum industry news

Canada: CertainTeed Canada has received environmental assessment approval from the Nova Scotia Department of Environment and Climate Change for its Antrim Gypsum Project in Halifax County, Nova Scotia. It can now move to the project’s permitting phase and toward construction beginning in 2026.

The subsidiary of France-based Saint-Gobain intends to establish operations in Nova Scotia, where eastern North America’s only known major source of gypsum is located. The company will then strengthen its ability to supply its wallboard plants in eastern Canada and the US with locally mined gypsum.

CertainTeed Canada also recently completed construction on its Kootenay West Mine in British Columbia, which is now operational at full capacity with plans to develop a new railway to connect better to other units in western Canada. The company is also reopening its Amaranth Mine in Manitoba to serve central Canada. These efforts are in addition to a partnership with New West Gypsum to recycle and reuse wallboard in production in Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, Ontario and Quebec, which has led to over 1Mt of wallboard being recycled and reused at the Vancouver plant alone.

UAE: The government of the Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah has launched Ras Al Khaimah Minerals, an investment company for the minerals and metals industries. The Arabian Post newspaper has reported that the government aims to leverage Ras Al Khaimah's natural resources, including gypsum, to attract local and foreign investors. This will help to diversify its economy away from oil and gas.

Kenya: Gypsum traders in Garissa have called on the government to lift a ban on gypsum mining in the country. The ban also prevents land allocation and demarcation. The Star newspaper has reported that it resulted from a perceived security threat due to violence at local mines, in which 12 people have died.

Mine owner Issa Kuno invited Cabinet Secretary for Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs Hassan Joho to visit. He said “Personally, I have never experienced or witnessed any insecurity related to gypsum mining activities."

Natural gypsum mined in Garissa County previously sold for US$38.60/t.

Philippines: The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has placed imports of gypsum wallboard from Thailand under a provisional anti-dumping duty. The Philippines Daily Enquirer newspaper has reported that the duty takes the form of a cash bond and will remain in force until March 2025.

The DTI said there is ‘reasonable cause’ to believe that imported gypsum wallboard from Thailand is being dumped, meaning that it caused ‘material injury’ to domestic producers.

The local gypsum wallboard industry’s share of the domestic market reportedly dropped from 66% in 2022 to 58% in 2023.

US: A study by Resource Recycling Systems found that 33% of construction and demolition materials (CDM) entering landfill in Summit County, Colorado, could be effectively diverted into CDM recycling. Gypsum wallboard was among the 11 materials included in the study. Local press has reported that county authorities aim to reuse or recycle 25% of CDM generated locally by 2028, and 50% by 2035. Landfill capacity will run out in 2078.

CDM constituted 30% of Summit County’s landfill intake during the study period.

Canada: Fortune Minerals has appointed Worley Canada Services to lead an updated feasibility study and assist with permitting for the NICO bismuth, cobalt, copper and gold mine project in Northwest Territories. Dow Jones Institutional News has reported that the project includes a hydrometallurgical plant in neighbouring Alberta that will precipitate gypsum for sale.

Fortune Minerals secured US$12.5m in funding from Alberta Innovates, Natural Resources Canada and the US Department of Defence. The finances will support studies, including for the hydrometallurgical plant, environmental assessments, management plans and authorisations.

Belarus: The Council of Ministers has issued Resolution 688, effecting a temporary ban on exports of most foreign gypsum from the country. Business World Magazine News has reported that the ban only affects gypsum that originates outside of Belarus and Russia.

Oman: The Ministry of Energy and Minerals has announced an auction of four gypsum mines in Thamrait, Dhofar Governorate. Zawya News has reported that the total area of the mines is 27km². Preliminarily assessment of the sites has already taken place. Prospective bidders can participate in the auction through the ministry’s Taqa digital platform.

US: The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality is receiving public comment on its revised 2021 Climate Protection Program, under which natural gas users, including gypsum wallboard producers, will face tighter emissions regulations. The programme will enable plants to buy credits for emissions above regulation level, with the money raised primarily going to fund community-based projects. Local press has reported that the revised rules aim to help realise a 50% reduction in CO₂ emissions by 2035 and a 90% reduction by 2050. The latest revision also shortens companies’ compliance period from three years to two.

Uzbekistan: The Committee for the Development of Competition and Protection of Consumer Rights has classified Knauf Gips Buxoro as a ‘dominant company’ in the gypsum wallboard market. An analysis by the committee ascertained that the producer’s market share exceeds 40%. The designation will require Knauf to conform to specific rules regarding pricing, supply and conditions that affect competition.