Holcim and 44.01 pioneer world-first cement CO₂ mineralisation pilot in Fujairah

UAE, 9 December 2025 — Holcim, in partnership with carbon mineralisation company 44.01, has launched the world’s first pilot project to permanently mineralise carbon dioxide captured directly from cement production. The initiative, located in Fujairah, marks a significant advancement in industrial decarbonisation and supports the UAE’s Net Zero 2050 strategy.

The pilot will initially capture approximately five tonnes of CO₂ per day from Holcim’s cement manufacturing operations and permanently store it underground through in-situ mineralisation. In this process, captured CO₂ is injected into suitable rock formations where it reacts naturally to form stable minerals, ensuring safe, permanent geological storage.

This is the first global initiative to combine cement-plant carbon capture with on-site mineralisation, addressing one of the most challenging sources of industrial emissions. Cement production is widely recognised as a hard-to-abate sector due to the chemical processes involved in clinker manufacturing.

Multi-partner collaboration

The Fujairah pilot is supported by the Fujairah Natural Resources Corporation (FNRC) and implemented in collaboration with NT Energies, a joint venture between Technip Energies and NMDC Energy. The project deploys Shell CANSOLV™ carbon capture technology through the long-standing alliance between Shell Catalysts & Technologies and Technip Energies.

The collaboration brings together international technology providers, regional industrial players, and local authorities to demonstrate a scalable and commercially viable pathway for reducing cement-sector emissions.

Advancing net-zero construction

The project strengthens Holcim’s position as a key partner for sustainable construction and aligns with the Group’s NextGen Growth 2030 strategy, which focuses on accelerating low-carbon technologies, circular construction solutions, and resource efficiency across the built environment.

For 44.01, the pilot represents its first project with an industrial customer and a European multinational, marking an important milestone in scaling its carbon mineralisation technology towards global deployment.

Industry and government perspectives

Ali Said, CEO of Holcim UAE and Oman, said the project highlights the role of collaboration in achieving climate goals. He noted that the pilot demonstrates how innovative technologies can be applied in heavy industry to deliver meaningful emissions reductions, while also acknowledging the role of regulatory guidance from local environmental authorities in advancing the initiative.

Talal Hasan, CEO of 44.01, described the project as a practical example of how industrial companies can lead in permanent carbon removal, adding that the pilot provides a replicable model for decarbonisation across global cement markets.

H.E. Eng. Ali Qassim, General Director of FNRC, reaffirmed the corporation’s support for initiatives that reduce emissions and improve resource efficiency, stating that the project aligns with Fujairah’s long-term vision for sustainable economic and environmental development.

Benoit Verdier, CEO of NT Energies, described the pilot as a first-of-its-kind initiative in the Middle East, highlighting its importance for decarbonising hard-to-abate industrial sectors.

A regional and global milestone

The Fujairah pilot represents a major milestone for both the region and the global cement industry. By integrating carbon capture with permanent mineralisation, the project demonstrates how industrial innovation, regulatory support, and cross-sector collaboration can unlock new pathways for durable carbon reduction while supporting sustainable economic growth.

About Holcim

Holcim (SIX: HOLN) is a global leader in sustainable construction solutions. Headquartered in Zug, Switzerland, the company operates in 44 markets and employs more than 45,000 people. In 2024, Holcim reported net sales of CHF 16.2 billion. Its portfolio includes low-carbon and circular brands such as ECOPlanet, ECOPact and ECOCycle®.

About 44.01

44.01 is a carbon removal company that permanently eliminates CO₂ by accelerating its natural mineralisation into rock underground. Its technology enables long-term, scalable carbon removal from both atmospheric and industrial sources.