Cement in Iraq

Iraq may be aiming to become a major international cement producer in the future -- but they'll have to take care of their own needs first. The government has issued licenses for the construction by private entrepreneurs of 20 new cement plants, according to the minister of industry and minerals. The minister, Osama al-Najafi, said the plants, which will cost $4 billion, will be built across the country. He said the construction of these plants, to be completed in two years, will add 25 million tons to Iraq’s annual cement output. He estimated Iraq’s needs at 30 million tons annually. Unlike other countries in the Middle East, Iraq has significant limestone reserves, giving it the potential to become a competitive and low-cost producer of cement. Your comment?