In a press communiqué issued yesterday, Binani Cement Factory (Mauritius) Limited confirms that it is awaiting the verdict of the Environment Appeal Tribunal to set up its Greenfield cement grinding and packaging factory in Mauritius. Binani Cement Factory (Mauritius) Limited is part of India’s renowned Braj Binani Group.
“The commencement of Binani’s plant in Mauritius has been stalled in the wake of Lafarge Mauritius – a competitor - filing an appeal before the Environment Appeal Tribunal against the Environment Impact Authority (EIA),” says the communiqué.
Both Holcim and Lafarge had filed appeals against the EIA licence. Holcim later withdrew its complaint and appeal. According to the promoters of the project, the appeal process is causing considerable delay.
As part of its global expansion plans, the Braj Binani Group planned its entry into Mauritius and applied to The government had already allotted and identified 6.5 hectares of land in the port area.
According to the communique, the company has complied with various land laws and obtained all due permissions including the Environment Clearance Licence from the EIA to commence the project. Interestingly, the licence the company obtained from the EIA is still valid.
“The whole issue, so far, has led Binani Cement Factory (Mauritius) into huge cost overruns in terms of land rent, inventory costs, human resource costs and other capital costs. Binani Cement Factory (Mauritius) finds it very unfortunate that the project has been getting delayed because of such untenable reasons.
“That companies like Lafarge stand up and attempt to challenge the company and the viability of its operations does not only speak well about itself, but also about the system prevailing.”
In light of this, the company expects the issue to be resolved soon, so that it can focus on its manufacturing activities. “Binani’s Mauritius plant will be a green plant and will adhere to strict environmental norms conforming to best international practices and technology,” the communique adds.