UAE-based Pioneer Cement (Raysut Cement Co) is currently finalising arrangements for its greenfield 1.2Mta project to be located near Tbilisi, Georgia.

Pioneer Cement owns concessions to limestone mines in Georgia that will provide the key raw materials for the project. The new unit is an opportunity to diversify from the Middle East into a market with large infrastructure growth and a shortage of clinker and high-quality cement, said the company in a statement.

"We have embarked on an aggressive and ambitious expansion strategy in the region with specific focus on Africa and neighboring regional countries, and in this context setting up Pioneer Cement Georgia is a significant geographical diversification," said Joey Ghose, CEO of Raysut Cement.

The integrated plant represents an estimated investment of US$200m, with construction work now scheduled to commence on 15 November 2019.