After 70 Years, Al Sabeh National Cement Company Halts Operations
Lebanon’s Cimenterie Nationale Al Sabeh Cement, officially announced that it has halted cement manufacturing and delivery operations in the country.
As one of the country’s largest cement manufacturers, the company cited heavy losses due to the authorities’ refusal to grant the necessary licenses. This blocked Al Sabeh from running its quarries and resulted in significant losses over the years.
Three companies have long monopolized Lebanon’s domestic cement market, Al Sabeh, Holcim, and Sibline. Largely harmful environmental practices emboldened by the lawlessness of managing quarries have allowed these companies’ actions to go unchecked, all while they reap huge profits at the expense of our mountains and natural landscape.
Under the guise of sustainable practices and honoring international standards, these three companies have undoubtedly devastated areas that they have exploited.
In a statement shared, Al Sabeh company explained that it had obtained approval from the National Council for Quarries and Crushers to operate its quarries as early as 2015. The government had since failed to issue the required license, in violation of the law. In 2024, the State Council issued a final decision affirming their right to the license. However, the government has still not implemented it.
The company submitted a new comprehensive application in June 2025 for a ten-year license, which would include rehabilitating previously operated sites according to internationally recognized environmental standards, but it has yet to receive any approval from the authorities.
With more than 580 employees and 1,800 indirect jobs affected, Al Sabeh Cement stressed that it reserves the right to seek full compensation for the losses.
