Baghdad (IraqiNews.com) – Iraq’s Al-Qaim Cement Plant has reached its full designed production capacity of 840,000 tonnes annually, strengthening domestic cement supplies while increasing exports to neighboring Syria, the Ministry of Industry and Minerals announced on Wednesday.
The achievement marks a significant milestone in Iraq’s efforts to boost local industrial production, reduce reliance on imports, and expand the country’s non-oil exports.
According to the ministry, the Al-Qaim Cement Plant is now operating at its full design capacity, producing approximately 70,000 tonnes of sulfate-resistant cement each month.
The output is sufficient to meet demand across Anbar Province and other Iraqi governorates while supporting the government’s strategy to enhance domestic industrial self-sufficiency.
In addition to serving the local market, the plant currently exports around 7,500 tonnes of cement per month to Syria, reflecting growing cross-border trade and regional demand for Iraqi construction materials.
General Company for Iraqi Cement Director General Zuhair Dawood Ahmed said the facility is operated through a partnership with Al-Maysarah Cement Industry Company.
He explained that the plant features a fully modernized production line equipped with advanced machinery and internationally sourced equipment, alongside a modern centralized control system that manages production processes efficiently.
The factory also includes advanced laboratories for testing both raw materials and finished products, ensuring quality standards are maintained throughout the manufacturing process.
To ensure uninterrupted production, the Al-Qaim Cement Plant operates its own 30-megawatt power station, providing stable electricity independent of the national grid.
This dedicated energy supply enables the plant to maintain around-the-clock production, minimizing operational disruptions and supporting consistent output.
Officials said continuous operations are essential to meeting domestic demand while expanding Iraq’s presence in regional cement markets.
The Ministry of Industry said increasing production at state-owned industrial facilities remains a key objective in supporting economic diversification beyond the oil sector.
By achieving full operational capacity and maintaining exports, the Al-Qaim Cement Plant contributes to strengthening Iraq’s manufacturing base, creating greater industrial resilience, and expanding opportunities for Iraqi products in foreign markets.
The ministry added that efforts will continue to increase cement exports while supporting the country’s infrastructure and construction sectors through reliable local production.