New 1.5Mta cement plant for Timektane inaugurated

Algeria’s Prime Minister, Ahmed Ouyahia has inaugurated a new 1.5Mta cement plant in Timektane, 260km from Adrar.

Further expansion of the DZD21bn (US$181m) works is planned in a second stage, which will take cement capacity to 3Mta.

The project is a joint venture by STG Sidi Moussa, which owns a 71 per cent stake, and China Triumph International Engineering Co (CTIEC Beijing), which holds the balance of shares.

Under a seven-year cooperation agreement, the venture’s Chinese partner will manage the plant during the exploitation phase, including the formation of an Algerian workforce, know-how transfer and the use of advanced cement production technology.

Mr Ouyahia commented on the opening, saying: ”This cement plant, with a production capacity of 1.5Mta, is a source of pride for Algeria.” The works will also allow the creation of extra resources and lead to a reduction in cement prices, according to the Prime Minister. He added that the plant confirms the effectiveness of the investment policy initiated by the President of the Republic, Abdelaziz Bouteflika.