Construction begins on major cement production plant in Herat

Construction of a major cement production plant has officially begun in Afghanistan’s western Herat province, with the project expected to receive $143 million in investment and create thousands of jobs.

The groundbreaking ceremony was held on Sunday in the presence of senior officials of the Islamic Emirate, including the Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs, the Deputy Prime Minister for Administrative Affairs and several cabinet ministers.

Homayoun Afghan, spokesperson for the Ministry of Mines and Petroleum, said the project has been contracted to a local company and that construction is expected to be completed within two years.

Once operational, the plant is expected to produce around 3,000 tonnes of cement per day, according to the ministry.

Officials say the project will provide direct and indirect employment for approximately 5,000 people, creating jobs and supporting economic activity in the province.

The Herat cement project is considered one of Afghanistan’s major industrial projects. Its development has been anticipated for decades, with residents and officials repeatedly calling for the province’s cement resources to be developed locally.

The plant is located about 30 kilometers west of Herat city in Zinda Jan district.

The project is expected to increase domestic cement production and reduce reliance on imported cement once it becomes operational.