Saudi Arabia: The Saudi industrial company Al-Ahsa Development's management board has halted the construction of a gypsum plant in the Al-Ahsa Governorate, Eastern Province. The decision was made after a feasibility study of the deposits showed that the economic efficiency would be insufficient. The company has spent US$879,952 on the feasibility study and government fees for the project.

In May 2008 Al-Ahsa got a licence from the Saudi Ministry of Petrol to build a gypsum plant with a capacity of 500,000t/yr. The company planned to invest US$40.3m in the project and expected US$23.5m/yr revenue.

Russia: Gypsum producer Volma has drawn a one-year loan of Euro4.30m from VTB bank. The company will finance its business operations with the funds. Volma has already secured Euro18.2m in loans at VTB.

Ethiopia: The Geological Survey of Ethiopia (GSE) has identified 20 new mineral deposits. Eighteen of the deposits contained gypsum, limestone, marble and potash. Nineteen of the deposits were found in Oromia Region. The 20th, a coal deposit, was found in Wolkite Town, Southern Nations, Nationalities and Peoples' Region.

US: The board of directors of the Genesee County Economic Development Centre (GCEDC) has approved the final resolution for application for assistance from United States Gypsum (USG).

USG is planning to upgrade its papermill in Oakfield, New York State. The project will include replacing and relocating equipment, stock cleaning and enhanced manila production to improve the safety, quality and efficiency of the facility. The upgrades will consist of three phases and is expected to commence in 2016. The projected capital investment is approximately US$23m and the investment will retain 98 manufacturing jobs and create 12 new production jobs.