Licence for cement plant project revoked in Lebanon

Lebanon’s Industry Minister, Wael Abu Faour, has revoked the licence of a cement plant planned for Ain Dara, Aley district. The decision comes after a protest by local residents last month, who disputed the project for environmental reasons.

In response to the protest, Pierre Fattoush, project owner, had said that Al Arz Cement Co had been issued the licence in compliance with the law and that the plant would be within the legal environmental provisions.

Mr Abu Faour’s decision arrives alongside a broader push to crackdown on the illegal operations of some cement producers in the country, according to The Daily Star.