Albania – Elbasan Cement ordered to close

The Albanian government has ordered the closure of Elbasan Cement Factory, along with two other industrial plants, due to its environmental concerns as well as fining each company ALL500,000 (US$4700).

The Environment Ministry said the companies did not comply with the requirement to take environmental pollution control measures, a fact denied by the cement producer. Elbasan Cement Factory said it is currently investing US$811,000 in a filter installation for its chimney.

Elbasan is owned by the Lebanese Seament Group, which also owns the country’s only other operating works at Fushe Kruji. Together, both plants are producing less than 150,000tpa. Albania reportedly counts five cement plants, but only a further two of the remaining plants are earmarked for rehabilitation.