Officials in Nalut have laid the foundation stone for a $600 million cement plant in the Um Al-Baqel area, in western Libya. The plant aims to produce 12,000 tonnes of cement daily through two production lines, each with a capacity of 6,000 tonnes. Capacity could rise to 14,000 tonnes per day in later phases.
According to the Libyan News Agency, the facility will produce Portland cement, sulphate-resistant cement, and high-strength cement for specialised construction projects.
Abdelwahab Hajjaj, Mayor of Nalut, said the plant is the first in a series of projects designed to strengthen the local economy and create jobs for young people. He called on business leaders to support the project, describing it as vital and strategic for the region and for Libya as a whole.
Project director Jumaa Khalifa Abdullah explained that the cement plant is one of four major investment projects planned for the area. The others include ventures in food security, petrochemicals, and solar energy. He said the project carries major economic weight as it will help reduce Libya’s heavy reliance on oil revenues.
He added that the company will be registered on the Libyan stock exchange, bringing benefits to future shareholders. Health insurance, both domestic and international, will be guaranteed under Libya’s investment law. Around 25% of the plant’s capital will be offered for investment, with shares priced at 10 dinars each. Citizens, as well as public and private companies, will be invited to participate.
The Nalut cement plant is seen as a step towards economic diversification and long-term stability.