JSW Cement Group, a leading producer of green cement in India, has launched its new factory at Habhab in Fujairah which boasts a production capacity of six million tonnes of limestone per year, of which 1.4 million tonnes will be used for clinker production.

The launch was held in the presence of Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, Crown Prince of Fujairah, and Parth Jindal, the managing director of JSW Cements and several other senior officials, reported state news agency Wam.

Sheikh Mohammed also unveiled a memorial plaque at the project's site, which will see the construction of a unit to grind clinker in Fujairah, as well as a power plant to provide the unit’s needs at an investment of around $150 million.

Speaking at the launch, the Crown Prince said that the UAE’s attractive investment climate and flexible legislative procedure, as well as its advanced infrastructure, have contributed to the launch of many investment projects in Fujairah.

He also expressed his pleasure that the Indian group will be part of the Fujairah plan to adopt strategies that will preserve the environment.

Sheikh Mohammed was then briefed on the details of the project, which is expected to create around 400 to 500 jobs, stated the Wam report.

Addressing the gathering, Jindal said: "Our plan to establish this clinker unit confirms the group’s commitment to enlarging its scope of investments in Fujairah."

Jindal said the unit is expected to start its operations in December next year.

The factory will operate over three phases. The first phase aims to produce six million tonnes of limestone, of which 1.4 million tonnes will be used to produce clinker, while the second phase will see production rise to 12 million tonnes per year, and the third phase to 20 million tonnes per year.

The clinker module is likely to begin operations by the year-end, he added.