CILAS Biskra, the cement joint venture between Lafarge (49 per cent stake) and Algerian businessman Souakri, is one step closer to the construction of its new plant. The project received all necessary approvals, said Luc Callebat, CEO of Lafarge Algeria.

The works is expected to produce 2.7Mta when it comes on-stream in mid-2015. However, the completion of a second production line will see this figure rise to 6Mta.

The plant will be the third co-owned by Lafarge, which holds a 49 per cent stake, in Algeria. The France-based cement producer already operates works at M’sila Mascara, Oggaz, and Meftah, Blida, in cooperation with Groupe Industriel de Ciment d’Algerie (GICA). Lafarge acquired 35 per cent of the 1Mta Meftah works for EUR43.5m. During its six-year presence in the country, Lafarge has invested ALD24bn. It currently produces around 8Mta of 22Mta of cement manufactured in Algeria.