Nepal’s cement industry: growth, jobs and pollutionCEFR A1
25 Nov 2025
Adapted from Qian Sun, Global Voices • CC BY 3.0
Photo by JC Gellidon, Unsplash
- Nepal became self-sufficient in cement after 2015.
- Demand rose after the Gorkha earthquake.
- Exports to India began in July 2022.
- Hongshi invested USD 359 million in 2017.
- Huaxin invested USD 140 million in 2019.
- Nepal has 1.07 billion tons limestone.
- There are 124 registered cement factories.
- Floods in September 2024 killed nearly 250 people.
Difficult words
- cement — A material used to make concrete.
- produce — To make or create something.produces
- import — To bring goods from another country.imported
- invest — To put money into something to earn more.invests
- industry — A branch of business that makes something.
- pollution — Waste that makes land, air, or water dirty.
- community — A group of people living in the same area.communities
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- What do you think about Nepal producing its own cement?
- How does pollution affect communities near cement industries?
- Why is investing in local industries important?
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