A QR900 million ($248 million) melamine project is coming up at Mesaieed, Qatar, a report said.

The project is a 60:40 joint venture between Qafco and Qatar Intermediate Industries Holding Company, said a report in Gulf Times.

The plant site is at the Qafco complex within the Mesaieed Industrial City (MIC). The project is slated for an early 2009 start-up.

Qafco managing director Khalifa al-Sowaidi said piling works were now being carried out at the Mesaieed site where the 60,000 tonnes-per-year plant is coming up.

The melamine plant will target both the local and export markets. It may also lead to the establishment of some ancillary units.