On February 21, 2025, the Belgian Competition Authority (BCA) granted approval for the establishment of a full-function joint venture between ABO Global Trading and Carmeuse, which will operate in the mineral additives sector.

The joint venture was officially notified to the BCA on February 11, 2025, with a request for a simplified procedure. ABO Global Trading specializes in procuring and supplying by-products and waste streams, particularly from the iron and steel industry, including secondary and recycled aggregates for concrete production.

Carmeuse, a Belgian group, is engaged in mining and processing limestone and dolomitic rock into lime and related products, which are utilized across various industries. Notably, Carmeuse produces limestone filler as an additive for concrete.

The new joint venture will focus on producing and selling mineral additives derived from milled silicon slag, which can serve as an alternative to traditional cement and other mineral additives in cement and concrete production. The BCA concluded that the conditions for the simplified procedure were satisfied and that the merger did not raise any competitive concerns.