Gypsum industry news

New Zealand: Winstone Wallboards’ parent company Fletcher Building says that it will ‘vigorously defend’ against charges by the New Zealand Commerce Commission of alleged anti-competitive customer rebates between 2017 and 2022. RNZ News has reported that rebates of the type allegedly deployed by Winstone Wallboards are ‘common’ competitive manoeuvres in the sector. The Commerce Commission says that it will file an action before the end of October 2024.

India: The Bikaner District Mining Department plans to issue a new round of tenders for local gypsum mines. The Times of India newspaper has reported that the department previously tendered contracts for the sites in Rajasthan for US$7.27m earlier in 2024.

The Bikaner District Mining Department said “Like every year, gypsum production will be lower until September due to the rainy season. We are hopeful of finding takers this time."

Mexico: Saint-Gobain has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire construction chemicals producer Ovniver Group for US$815m. The parties expect to conclude the deal in early 2025. Ovniver Group produces its CeMix brand adhesives, renders, surface preparations and waterproofing products across 16 sites in Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras and the US.

Ovniver Group recorded revenues of US$285m in 2023, with an average annual growth rate of 20% over the past five years.

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.

Saudi Arabia: National Gypsum Company’s sales rose by 19% year-on-year to US$8.76m in the first half of 2024, Arab News has reported. Nonetheless, its net profit dropped by 18% to US$450,000.