Dangote Cement Nepal is denied mining licence

Dangote Cement Nepal Pvt Ltd has lost its attempt to win an open bid for a mining licence in Nepal. It has been technically disqualified for the detailed exploration of three limestone mines, after its proposal lacked details about the experienced hands needed for such work.
 
However, Dangote group General Manager, Hikmat Thapa, said: “We are saddened by news that we are disqualified technically.” The Investment Board Nepal (IBN) had approved the investment in 2013 following an assessment of the company.
 
Company officials in Kathmandu also claim that they were disqualified without considering Dangote’s experience in cement manufacturing in Nigeria. “The notice for the invitation of proposals lacked any specific criteria on including Nepali technical expertise,” explained Rup Rawal, an official at the company. The company announced it would establish a plant in three years with a capacity of 6000tpd. This is at least five times the capacity of any large cement manufacturing plant today.

DoMG’s Deputy Director General, Ram Prasad Ghimire, claimed that Dangote’s proposals lacked essential documents on the required skilled manpower and it was not considered qualified for the next financial proposal.

Dangote had applied for three mines; two in Dhading and one in Palpa. The Chinese company Huaxin and United Cements recently won two of the key limestone mines Dangote was bidding for.