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.
Saint-Gobain Building Products Ukraine inaugurates Ivano-Frankivsk plaster plant
Ukraine: Saint-Gobain Building Products Ukraine, an importer and distributor of gypsum products in Ukraine, has inaugurated its new 60,000t/yr Ivano-Frankivsk plaster plant. LIGA Business News has reported that the plant cost €11m, will employ 50 people and produce plaster mixes for sale under the Rigips brand.
Saint-Gobain Poland and Ukraine president Joanna Czynsz-Piechowiak said "The opening of the first Saint-Gobain plant in Ukraine is an important step for our company. Even in difficult times, we continue to move forward and invest in the future.”
Kenyan government urged to lift gypsum mining ban in Garissa County
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 Department of Trade and Industry imposes anti-dumping duty on Thai gypsum wallboard
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.
