Kenya: Dangote seeks limestone on east coast

Dangote Group has expressed interest in prospecting for limestone in Malindi, 120km northeast of Mombasa. The group plans to explore limestone deposits in Kwachocha, Kijiwetanga Kizingo, Mbaraka Chembe and Mayungu, said Dan Kazungu, Mining Cabinet Secretary.

Mr Kazungu announced that the ministry is processing a licence to allow the exploration works. The ministry will set up a regional mining office in Malindi town to serve Kilifi, Tana River and Lamu.

Dangote’s entry into the Kenyan cement market via low-cost imports from its Ethiopian plant has created a price war. Its imports are priced at approximately US$74/t, undercutting locally-manufactured product by up to 40 per cent. The group is importing cement in a short-term market entry plan as it prepares to establish a local plant by 2019.