Hetauda Cement Industry Set to Resume Production Following Maintenance, Coal Procurement Hurdles

The Hetauda Cement Industry is poised to resume cement production within the next week, following a brief interruption in operations approximately two weeks ago due to the malfunction of key equipment requiring maintenance and repair. However, the industry is currently encountering difficulties in promptly procuring coal, which poses a challenge to the smooth resumption of operations, according to Vasanta Raj Pandey, the Managing Director of the industry.

Pandey disclosed that the industry presently holds about 1,800 metric tons of coal in stock. Nevertheless, the shortage of coal has prompted the industry to issue a tender for additional procurement, aiming to facilitate the recommencement of cement production starting from the first week of the upcoming month of Baisakh.

The industry relies on essential raw materials sourced from Jogimara in Dhading for limestone and from Bhaise Khani in Makwanpur for clay, which is transported daily to sustain operations. At present, cement packing activities are ongoing, with approximately 275,000 bags of cement being distributed to various cities including Kathmandu, Bhairahawa, and Nepalgunj, as outlined by Navin Kumar Karn, the Deputy Managing Director of the industry.