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?
Related articles
Most young users still smoke nicotine, tobacco or cannabis
A 2022–23 study of people aged 12–34 found most young Americans who use nicotine, tobacco or cannabis still smoke one or more combustible products. The research groups users by their usual product patterns and urges targeted prevention.
Diet may help exercise for people with high blood sugar
A study in mice found a high‑fat, low‑carbohydrate ketogenic diet can lower high blood sugar and change muscles so they respond better to aerobic exercise. Researchers say diet and exercise together give the greatest benefit and people still need testing.
Experts call for integrated One Health surveillance linking communities
Experts urge governments to build integrated surveillance systems that link community-level data across human, animal, plant and environmental sectors. A virtual roundtable highlighted research priorities and named integrated surveillance the most urgent need.