Libya: Officials have launched construction of a US$600m cement plant in Nalut, Um al-Baqal, according to The Libya Observer. The plant will produce 12,000t/day of cement from two lines, with plans to expand to 14,000t/day, and will manufacture Portland, sulphate-resistant and high-strength cement. Nalut mayor Abdulwahab Hajjaj said the project would support the local economy, create jobs and strengthen national growth. Project director Jumaa Khalifa Abdullah said it was one of four investment initiatives in the region. 25% of the plant’s capital will be offered for public and foreign investment at US$2.14/share, with the company expected to list on Libya’s stock exchange. /Global Cement