CIMPOR presents New R&D Centre

CIMPOR took part in the latest episode of the videocast "Liderar o Invisível: O Futuro do Trabalho entre a IA e o Fator Humano", an initiative of the Observatório do Futuro do Trabalho, promoted by Jornal Económico Lab.

The episode featured Rita Baptista, CIMPOR's Chief Human Resources Officer, who joined a panel of experts to discuss the challenges of leadership in a context shaped by digital transformation, artificial intelligence, and the evolving nature of organisations.

During the discussion, Rita Baptista shared CIMPOR's vision for organisational transformation, highlighting that innovation only creates real value when it is accompanied by the development of people. She also emphasised the importance of fostering a culture based on proximity, trust, transparent communication, and employee empowerment, key factors in preparing organisations for the challenges of the future.

The discussion also explored topics such as building a shared culture across a company with diverse operational environments, the role of leadership in managing change, and the importance of creating development opportunities that balance technological innovation with human growth.

CIMPOR's participation in this initiative reinforces the company's commitment to responsible, people-centred leadership and to building a more innovative, sustainable organisation, ready to meet the challenges of an ever-evolving market.

We invite you to watch the episode and discover how CIMPOR is shaping the future of work by placing people at the heart of transformation: Liderar na Era da Inteligência Artificial: o que está a mudar nas empresas

CIMPOR has successfully completed the reactivation and modernization of its Sines Grinding Plant, a strategic investment that strengthens the company’s operational capacity while representing an important milestone in its decarbonization and sustainability strategy.

Following the successful completion of operational tests, which validated all technical requirements for start-up, the facility entered into operation approximately two months ahead of the original schedule. The plant is now fully operational, with production ready for dispatch and enhanced logistics capabilities, including bulk shipment. The start of big bag filling operations is scheduled to begin later this week.

Located within one of Portugal’s most important industrial and logistics hubs, the Sines facility has undergone extensive modernization to meet the challenges of a more sustainable construction industry. Its primary focus will be the processing of Ground Granulated Blast Furnace Slag (GGBFS), a high-value supplementary cementitious material that enables the production of lower-carbon cements and concretes, contributing to the reduction of emissions associated with the construction sector.

With the capacity to process more than 400,000 tonnes of GGBFS per year under continuous operation, the Sines Grinding Plant significantly enhances CIMPOR’s ability to develop sustainable solutions aligned with circular economy principles. The technological upgrades implemented also provide the flexibility to process additional alternative raw materials in the future, ensuring the long-term relevance and value of this investment.

The plant’s strategic location adjacent to the Port of Sines provides a significant competitive advantage, facilitating the efficient receipt of raw materials and the distribution of finished products to both domestic and international markets.

Beyond its industrial and environmental impact, the reactivation of the facility also contributes positively to the local economy through the creation of direct and indirect employment opportunities and by supporting regional businesses involved throughout the project’s development and implementation.

With this project, CIMPOR further reinforces its commitment to innovation, operational excellence and sustainability, strengthening its position as a leading player in the transformation of the construction materials industry towards a lower-carbon future.

CIMPOR has been featured in the Negócios Sustentabilidade 20|30 initiative, promoted by Jornal de Negócios, through the publication of a Case Study highlighting business projects that generate positive environmental, social, and economic impact.

The case study focuses on Bom Jesus Quarry, in Alhandra, where CIMPOR implemented a Vermeer T1255 surface miner, an innovative technological solution that combines operational efficiency, sustainability, and responsible engagement with local communities.

Facing the challenges of operating in areas close to residential zones, CIMPOR sought an alternative to conventional blasting methods, significantly reducing impacts such as vibrations, noise, and dust emissions. The adoption of this technology enabled the development of a new quarry area, improved operational performance, and further strengthened the company’s position as a benchmark for innovation in the cement industry.

The project is the result of close collaboration between CIMPOR and Vermeer, a global leader in mechanical surface mining solutions, whose expertise played a key role in the successful implementation of this technology.

More than a technological investment, this initiative demonstrates how innovation can help address the challenges of the extractive industry while simultaneously promoting competitiveness, social responsibility, and environmental protection.

According to Carlos Barbosa, Senior Geologist at CIMPOR and Project Manager, “this project demonstrates that it is possible to integrate innovation and technology into extractive activities, combining operational efficiency, environmental sustainability, and social responsibility, with clear benefits for both businesses and local communities.”

The experience gained at Bom Jesus Quarry reinforces CIMPOR’s commitment to innovation and sustainability, paving the way for the evaluation of future applications of this technology across other Group operations.

Read the full Case Study and learn more about this pioneering initiative through the video available here.