Materials French Community

ZCCM-IH is an investment holding based in Zambia with focus on mining and energy business. They hold very substantial assets: Investments – ZCCM Investments Holdings Plc Thank to the reorganization of the Mopani Copper Mine - they sold 51% to Delta Mining - an indirect subsidiary of International Resource Holding- Assets - International Resources Holding which is itself a subsidiary of Abu Dhabi listed International Holding Campany: IHC | International Holding Company which itself belongs 60% to the very powerful Royal Group of the ultra-rich Royal Family of Abu Dhabi; they recorded a profit on group level of 2 billion USD in first half 2024; but the share price don't go inline with the huge increase of the book value (market capitalization of just 200 Mio.Read more

Arkema is spending heavily to make more advanced, lower-impact materials for things like batteries, renewables, and electronics, betting these faster-growing markets can carry it through today’s softer economy. The big question is whether that growth arrives soon enough to offset weak demand in cyclical industries, tougher competition, and a heavier debt load.Read more

Imerys faces a tough mix of rising costs, project delays, and legal uncertainty just as demand in some of its biggest markets stays weak and competition heats up. The big question is whether its push into battery materials and other cleaner‑tech uses can outweigh these pressures or end up costing more than it returns.Read more

Vicat could benefit from a wave of long-running public building projects in France, while also selling more lower‑emission cement as builders push to cut pollution. The flip side is that a weak housing market, big spending needs, and currency swings could keep results bumpy if the hoped‑for recovery and cost savings don’t land.Read more

Verallia’s glass bottles face a tougher world as brands and shoppers drift toward lighter, cheaper packaging and rules around energy use keep tightening. At the same time, the company is spending heavily to stay ahead on cleaner production and new products, which could either protect its business or squeeze profits if demand weakens.Read more

Vicat is building new cement capacity in Senegal and shifting toward cleaner cement in Europe, which could cut costs and open up new demand just as older, less efficient plants are phased out. The flip side is that weak building activity in its biggest markets, shaky emerging-market currencies, and tougher competition could still keep profits under pressure.Read more

Air Liquide is leaning harder into the fast-growing chipmaking supply chain and the push for cleaner energy, while keeping a steadier base in healthcare. The upside comes from big, long-term projects and efficiency efforts, but the story hinges on demand holding up and major energy projects staying on track.Read more

Arkema’s core chemicals business faces a tough mix of cheap supply from Asia and tighter climate rules, which could keep prices under pressure and make profits harder to defend. At the same time, its push into newer, higher‑value materials could soften the blow—if the shift happens fast enough.Read more

Vicat could get a steady boost from major French infrastructure work and new lower-carbon cement, but delays or slow adoption may leave growth muted. See what has to go right in France and Africa—and what could surprise to the upside—for this cement maker’s next few years.Read more