Italcementi Group has received major recognition in Morocco for its environmental protection efforts. The Oulad Abbou quarry run by Betomar, a company controlled by the Group subsidiary Ciments du Maroc, has achieved accreditation to ISO 14001 becoming the first aggregates quarry in Morocco to be certified.

For years, Ciments du Maroc and Betomar have been implementing strategies aimed at protecting and preserving natural resources in line with the sustainable development policies adopted by the Group.
The efforts of all Betomar and Ciments du Maroc divisions have contributed to achieving ISO 14001 certification and realizing the goals set by the Group, while strengthening tools to prevent pollution and improve the sustainability of industrial sites.

The certification marks the formal recognition by the Ministry for Industry, Commerce and New Technology of the advances already made vis-à-vis environmental protection and which are going to be audited annually.
Meanwhile, Ciments du Maroc is completing all necessary steps to start construction of the new 2.2 million ton capacity cement plant at Ait Baha, which is going to replace the Agadir factory.

The investment will total about 2.8 billion MAD. The new plant, which is expected to be operational in September 2009, will boast a main quarry located in its immediate vicinity across an area of 580 hectares. According to plans, the cement plant - which covers an area of 100 hectares - will be surrounded by a 310-ha green belt.