Dangote Cement new Zambia plant facing delays

Construction of Dangote Cement’s US$500m cement plant in Masaiti District, Zambia, has suffered a setback following delays by the government in issuing a mining license.

Speaking to the Times of Zambia, Dangote Industries general manager Viveka Heblikar said his company had submitted all the documentation and was only waiting to be granted the mining licence.

As a result, the company cannot undertake any mining activity in the area.

But Mines Minister Christopher Yaluma said the issuance of the licences would start in June and his ministry was working hard to ensure that the backlog was cleared on time.

Despite delays in the issuance of the mining licence Mr Heblikar said his organisation had engaged Sinoma Engineering Company to start the construction of the administration offices and the plant.