The plant has polluted Hue City’s Thuy Bieu Ward for years, according to the local Department of Natural Resources and Environment. A recent decision made by the provincial People’s Committee states that the plant must be relocated to an industrial park in Huong Thuy or Huong Tra district by June 2016.

The removal will cost VND200 billion (US$9.4 million), which will come from loans.

In 2010, the department developed a plan to remove the plant by 2015, but it was delayed by a lack of capital and difficulties finding new jobs for workers. The plant has stopped operation of kilns and reduced production by half.

First built in 1910 by French colonists, the plant has an annual capacity of 200,000 tonnes.