The Times of Oman reported that the new US$435m plant will have a capacity of 3.5 million tons per year and is likely to provide impetus to the development of downstream industries.
The project is part of Oman's objective to become a hub for industrial excellence in the region due to its abundant mineral resources, additives, state of the art ports, efficient economic zones and strategic location.
DCPI said in a statement that the plant is expected to be operational by Q1 2023, and will help to meet local demand in the Emirate of Oman. It will also cater to the overseas markets of India, Sri Lanka and East Africa using the port facilities at Duqm.
It added that the project is also expected to contribute to the development of Oman's proposed Mineral Railway project by increasing its economic viability. The Mineral Railway is proposed to support the annual transportation of over 30 million tonnes of mineral commodities from sites in the Al Wusta and Dhofar areas to processing plants and export-channels in Duqm and neighbouring Gulf countries.
Seven Seas Company, the lead promoters of the cement plant project, have announced the release of the EPC (engineering, procurement and construction) tender to major equipment suppliers.
