GICA signed two agreements on Tuesday in Algiers with Chinese equipment manufacturer CBMI (a subsidiary of Sinoma) to build a new cement plant in Bechar and extend the plant in Zahana (Mascara).

Owned by GICA subsidiary Saoura Cement Co, the new plant in Bechar will have a capacity of 1Mta and is expected to start production in 2018. Zahana cement plant currently has a production capacity of 1Mta, which will increase the plant capacity 2.5Mta. Work on the extension of this plant is scheduled to be completed by 2018.

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These projects will generate a supplementary production capacity of 2.5Mta, enabling Algeria to meet its cement demand and export surplus, according to GICA officials.