KATHMANDU: Ghorahi Cement Industry — that has a potential production capacity of 660,000 metric tonnes of cement — will start operations from next July. Initially, this cement plant will produce only 11 hundred metric tonnes of cement but it has plans of gradually increasing its production capacity to 2,000 metric tonnes. The industry has already made a deal with a famous German brand for the purchase of machinery and will use high-tech equipment for pollution control. This still under construction cement factory, located at Dang’s Laxmipur VDC, is believed to be able to substitute the import of Indian cement worth Rs 10 billion once it reaches its full potential. The industry is estimated to utilise 95 per cent domestic labour and resources. The factory will also install a machine that will utilise 3000 KCAL coal available in Dang. Besides, the industry is looking forward to use wood shavings and used tyres as fuel for clinker production. Since the establishment of the industry is supposed to help in employment of local labour and resources, increase the nation’s productivity and import substitution, this is a very important step towards economic independence. The country will also gain about Rs 1.25 billion in revenue once the industry starts operating at its full potential. However there are some technical and infrastructural difficulties that might delay the production. The dirt track that is used for transporting the raw material — limestone — to the factory is not suitable for the daily movement of 4,000 metric tonnes of limestone.