The first phase of the Shurandam cement plant in Kandahar province, Afghanistan, has been inaugurated with production capacity of 1500tpd, equivalent to approximately 0.5Mta.

The plant, also previously referred to as Shur Andem, represents an investment of approximately US$113m, according to Afghanistan’s Ministry of Mines and Petroleum. Construction was undertaken by a private Afghan investor.

A second development phase is planned and would increase the plant’s total production capacity to 5000tpd. The authorities said construction would begin in the near future but did not disclose its investment value or commissioning schedule.

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The project forms part of Afghanistan’s efforts to increase domestic cement production and reduce its dependence on imported material