Afghanistan: Construction has begun on the Safwan cement plant in Jabal Saraj district, Parwan province, following completion of exploratory work confirming suitable raw materials. The project is estimated to cost around US$225m, according to Tolo News. It includes the installation of 9000 solar panels to supply part of the plant’s 25MW power demand, and aims to increase domestic production and reduce reliance on imports. The plant is expected to create around 5000 jobs and support economic development in the region.

The head of exploration at Al-Falah contracting company, Mohammad Shoaib Shahzad, said “The geotechnical phase has been successfully completed, and land levelling is now in progress, as the terrain is uneven.” He added that 80% of this process is now complete.

Saudi Arabia: Eastern Province Cement has started trial production on a new clinker line at its Khursaniyah plant, according to a stock exchange statement on 27 April 2026. The company said that the 10,000t/day line has completed ‘implementation works’ and will undergo testing until equipment efficiency is confirmed.

The line was built under a contract signed with Sinoma CDI in February 2024.

Afghanistan: Construction has begun on the Yatim Taq cement plant Jawzjan Province, with a US$160m investment, according to local press. The project will have a capacity of 3000t/day of cement and is scheduled for completion within two years. Officials said that it will support efforts to reduce reliance on cement imports and achieve self-sufficiency in cement production.

The Ministry of Mines and Petroleum previously signed a contract with Turkish construction firm 77 in October 2024 for the project.

North Korea: The Sunchon Cement Complex reported production at 103% of its daily plan following upgrades and maintenance works, according to state-owned Korean News. The company said that it established a process of producing steel balls using high-carbon ferrochrome to improve the performance of the clinker crusher. It also said that it replaced the shell of Kiln No. 3 in two days and completely overhauled production line No. 3 in eight days, thanks to the ‘indomitable mental strength and staunch struggle’ of its workers.