Cabinet's decision on cement quarrying taken on a day of national mourning sparks controversy

On April 9, amid national mourning following Black Wednesday, the Cabinet adopted a decision drafted by Industry Minister Joe Issa al-Khoury granting cement companies the right to (re)operate their quarries in order to resume activity.While Lebanon has three cement plants, the decision primarily benefits the two located in Koura (North Lebanon) — Cimenterie Nationale and the Lebanese Cement Company (formerly Holcim). Their quarries in the region, mainly in the village of Kfar Hazir , were shut down for many months.Even amid a war, the decision has sparked controversy. It drew widespread criticism to the government, created a rift between the Industry and Environment Ministers — with Tamara Elzein walking out of the meeting in protest — prompted a rejection from the municipal council of Kfar Hazir (which the decision has been given two...