Hetauda Cement faces limestone shortage

Hetauda Cement Factory is facing a shortage of limestone due to local protestors preventing the extraction of the material from its mine in Majuwa, Nepal.

The company’s new mining contractor, Om Sai Construction, has not been able to deliver 150,000t of limestone four months after receiving the order, according to The Kathmandu Post. The company requires 1000t of limestone daily in order to operate, without it the factory could soon stop production.

"Although the contract process has already been finalized, limestone cannot be shipped due to obstruction by local protestors. Even after repeated talks, no agreement has been reached," said Raghu Raman Neupane, board chairman of Hetauda Cement.

Despite Hetauda Cement Factory having acquired the land near the mine, the protestors are occupying it to conduct their protests. The company has also agreed to spend NPR30m (US$293,119) received from the government to construct roads and a school building. Furthermore, Hetauda Cement has promised to protect water sources, prevent dust pollution and employ local residents.