Libya and China have taken steps to restart the long-delayed Misrata Cement Plant project, which aims to become one of the largest cement production facilities in the country.
A virtual meeting was held on Tuesday between the technical committee responsible for the project and representatives from China’s Sinoma-Wuhan, a leading global cement engineering firm.
The plant is designed to produce 2 million tons of cement annually in its first phase, with a second phase planned to double output to 4 million tons per year.
The project is seen as a strategic asset for Libya’s construction sector, aiming to meet domestic demand and supply regional markets.
The two sides reviewed the original 2009 agreement and began discussions on reactivating the contract. The agenda included updating legal documents, technical designs, and financial assessments. Both parties also examined the current status of on-site civil and engineering works and discussed adjusting project costs based on newer technologies.
To move forward, it was agreed that a technical evaluation would be conducted by an independent engineering consultancy. Sinoma will also send a specialized team to inspect the site south of Misrata to assess existing conditions and finalize contract amendments before construction resumes.
In parallel, the committee is coordinating with Libya’s Industrial Research Center to update geological and material studies. These studies will verify the availability of raw materials to ensure long-term operation of the plant, estimated to run for at least 50 years.
The Libya Africa Investment Portfolio, which oversees the project, aims to begin installation before the end of 2025. If completed, the plant is expected to boost local industry, reduce reliance on imports, and strengthen Libya’s position in regional cement markets.
