Lafarge Holcim Bangladesh Limited (LHBL) has denied accusations made by traders of wrecking livelihoods of border residents along Shella and trader partners in Bangladesh by selling aggregated Nongtrai limestone at lower rates.
“The price of LHBL aggregates is almost double than the price mentioned by the traders. The small scale importers in Bangladesh are importing significantly higher quantity of stone from Meghalaya since the company started its aggregates business; so the local trader’s livelihood is not being threatened by our aggregates business in any way,” LHBL operations Director, Narayan Sharma said in a statement here today.
Bangladesh importers had recently said that Lafarge is selling aggregated limestone believed to be sourced from Nongtrai mines at the rate of anything below Rs.2000 per ton whereas the rates through the normal trade routes is Rs.3500. They said that Lafarge has its limestone delivered to it inside its Chatak cement plant from its mines in Nongtrai and alleged that this was unfair and a dishonest business practice.
Pointing out that the company operates the Nongtrai limestone mine and transporting the mined and crushed limestone to Surma Plant at Chhatak, Sunamganj owned by it Sharma said, “We want to clearly mention that LHBL has obtained required approvals from all pertinent authorities including the Ministry of Industries and the Honourable Court of Bangladesh to carry out its aggregates business.”
It may be mentioned that exporters said that the limestone from Nongtrai carried through the 17 km conveyor belt is legally to be used only for manufacturing cement in their own plant in Chatak and not for sale in the open market.
The global cement major stated that the project of the company and LHBL is an “iconic initiative” and a bright example of commercial cooperation between India and Bangladesh. “We are one of the highest tax payers both in Meghalaya and in Bangladesh and have been involved in generation of employment and livelihood for thousands of people across the border,” Sharma added.
