Lafarge controversies
Controversies tied to this brand in public sources. A listing is not a finding of fault.
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2026
French conviction for terrorism financing and sanctions violations
On April 13, 2026, a Paris criminal court convicted Lafarge as a legal entity of financing terrorism and violating sanctions in connection with payments made through its Syrian subsidiary. Several former executives were also convicted. The court reportedly imposed a €1.125 million terrorism-financing fine and a €4.5 million customs fine payable jointly with other defendants.
2022
U.S. conviction and $777.78 million criminal penalty
Lafarge S.A. and Lafarge Cement Syria pleaded guilty in the United States to conspiring to provide material support to foreign terrorist organizations. The court imposed criminal fines and forfeiture totaling $777.78 million in October 2022.
2021
French top court overturns dismissal of charges against Lafarge
Ruling
France's Court of Cassation overturned a lower court decision that had dismissed charges against Lafarge for complicity in crimes against humanity in Syria, and referred the matter back to investigating magistrates for reconsideration. Lafarge had been accused of paying jihadist groups to keep its Syrian cement factory operating. The ruling itself did not send the company to trial on that charge.
Source excerpt
France's top court on Thursday overturned a decision by a lower court to dismiss charges brought against cement giant Lafarge for complicity in crimes against humanity in Syria's civil war.
Lafarge is also charged with financing terrorism and violating an EU embargo over the payments made by its Syrian subsidiary in 2013 and 2014.
The court instead referred the matter back to investigating magistrates to reconsider the charge and another charge of "endangering the lives of others".
2019
Lafarge responds to clinker dust release near Bath plant
Company response
Lafarge Bath Cement Plant apologized to Bath residents and accepted responsibility for clinker dust that had appeared on vehicles. The company attributed the release to an under-performing air filter, said the mechanical issues had been addressed, and offered affected residents free cleaning services.
Company response
Apology — Lafarge
Lafarge Bath Cement Plant has issued an apology letter to the residents of Bath, taking responsibility for the mystery dust that showed up on people’s vehicles last week.
Remediation — Lafarge
The initial mechanical issues have been addressed and we are adding instrumentation to provide better and more detailed data about the filter system to take corrective action quicker
Remediation — Lafarge
they’re asking anyone who was affected by the clinker dust to contact the plant to arrange for free cleaning services.
Source excerpt
They’re blaming the release of the substance on a under-performing air filter that they say has since been fixed.
Lafarge didn’t respond to an interview request with Global News. In their letter to residents, however, they’re asking anyone who was affected by the clinker dust to contact the plant to arrange for free cleaning services.
Lafarge Bath Cement Plant has issued an apology letter to the residents of Bath, taking responsibility for the mystery dust that showed up on people’s vehicles last week.
2013
Payments to armed groups linked to Syrian plant operations
Lafarge and its Syrian subsidiary made payments and related arrangements with armed groups, including ISIS and al-Nusra Front, while attempting to keep a cement plant operating during the Syrian civil war. The conduct became the subject of criminal investigations in France and the United States.
2008
Mercury emissions at the Ravena cement plant
Reports identified Lafarge’s Ravena, New York plant as a major source of mercury emissions in the state during 2004–2006. Subsequent regulatory actions and a modernization program required pollution-control improvements, including replacement of older wet-process kilns with a newer dry-process kiln.
1940
Supply of concrete for the Atlantic Wall during the Second World War
Lafarge supplied concrete for the French section of the Atlantic Wall under the German occupation. The activity helped preserve industrial continuity and later supported rapid participation in post-war reconstruction, but it remains a controversial part of the company’s wartime history.