Gypsum industry news

Romania: Saint-Gobain Romania has inaugurated a new line at its Turda gypsum wallboard plant in Cluj County. Romania-Insider News has reported that the line cost €50m. The company had previously announced anticipated total investments €45m. All gypsum wallboard produced in the line will come with environmental product declarations (EPDs). Saint-Gobain Romania will employ an additional 100 people to work on the line, raising its total number of employees by 5% to 2000 people across 14 sites.

Saint-Gobain Romania CEO Ovidiu Pascutiu said "This new line, operating at optimal parameters, marks a significant step towards enhancing our production efficiency and expanding our product range to better serve our growing customer base."

Bolivia: The Port Services Administration (ASP) despatched a 3000t pilot shipment of gypsum to Paraguay on 23 July 2024. The gypsum, from Cochabamba, was loaded onto three river barges for transport via the River Paraguay from Puerto Busch in Santa Cruz. Local press has reported that ASP used 200t/hr conveyor belts for loading.

General manager Dante Justiniano said "This milestone not only represents a significant advance in the area of infrastructure and national logistics, but also fulfils the mandate of our President Luis Arce, which aims to establish a port that enhances foreign trade and strengthens import and export, with access to the Atlantic Ocean.”

India: Rajasthan State Mines and Minerals has issued a tender for contracts to mine gypsum at multiple sites in Rajasthan. The sites in question are the Baller, Bharu, Dehariya and Kishanpura-2 mines in Bikaner District and the Siyar Ko Koshita mine in Sanchore District. Bidders for the Baller and Dehariya sites must have recorded recent annual sales of at least US$717,000, while those for the other sites must have recorded recent annual sales above US$358,000.

Iran: The government of Hormozgan province invested US$455,000 in surveys for gypsum and other minerals in the first quarter of the 2025 financial year. Trend News has reported that Hormozgan Province presently boasts 300 mines.

New Zealand: Fletcher Building has appointed Tony Dragicevich as a non-executive director and member of its board of directors, effective from 1 August 2024. Dragicevich previously served as managing director and CEO of aluminium producer Capral, and has held leadership positions at Wattyl Group, GWA Bathrooms and Kitchens, Red Paper Group and Carter Holt Harvey Insulation. He holds a commerce degree from the University of Auckland.

Acting chair Barbara Chapman said "Tony is a highly accomplished CEO and director who brings significant experience in leading distribution and manufacturing businesses across Australia and New Zealand. His successful career in the building products sector, combined with his strong track record of delivering value for shareholders, make him an excellent addition to Fletcher Building's Board."