Lafarge Indian project hits hurdle

Lafarge’s plan to start a greenfield project in Jharkhand has run into problems due to the non-availability of the required grade of limestone in the state, although government sources claim otherwise. Sources in the company said a deposit of cement grade limestone, which could be mined, is yet to be identified in Jharkhand but added that the greenfield project could be set up in any of the 22 districts and plans for further expansion are also on the anvil.

State government officials, though, refused to buy Lafarge’s theory on the non-availability of cement grade limestone. Mines and geology secretary A.K. Singh said the required limestone was available in Chaibasa and Palamau districts but Lafarge had not apprised the government of their plans. “Let them come to us first, then we will extend all possible help in identifying the mineable deposits of cement grade limestone,” he said.