Oct. 7, 2013
BUSINESSDAILYAFRICA
Africa’s richest man Aliko Dangote has reignited the battle for Kitui County’s limestone mines with local cement firms with his plan to open a Sh34.8 billion ($400 million) plant in Kenya.
Local firms led by East Africa Portland Cement Company (EAPCC) are racing to strike deals with Kitui County to secure the coveted raw material.
This will re-open the fight for Kitui mines, which three years ago locked Bamburi Cement and ARM Cement in a court battle for control of a 180-square kilometre piece of land endowed with limestone.
Now, Dangote Group has re-ignited cement makers’ interest in the semi-arid zone as Africa’s biggest cement maker seeks a presence in Kenya in a $5 billion (Sh435 billion) plan to build cement plants in the continent.
“It was reported that a Nigerian billionaire had visited Kitui with a view to secure raw materials for cement manufacturing,” said EAPCC’S board minutes seen by the Business Daily.
“It was agreed that the board would take urgent steps to get in touch with the Kitui County officials and ensure that the raw materials reserves are secured and purchased by EAPCC.” Read more: http://www.businessdailyafrica.com/Corporate-News/Dangote-sparks-fight-for-Kitui-limestone-mines/-/539550/2021394/-/iu6cf/-/index.html
