LafargeHolcim resumes operations in limestone mine in Meghalaya

    Shillong, May 13 (PTI) Cement giant LafargeHolcim has
resumed operations at its limestone mine in Meghalayas East
Khasi Hills district to supply raw material to its plant
across the international border in Bangladesh, an official
said.
    The Meghalaya government has allowed industries,
including mining, to operate in the state with strict
enforcement of social distancing norms and hand hygiene for
all employees as preventive measures against COVID-19
infections, he said.
    "The company (LafargeHolcim) has been given the nod to
resume mining operations at its limestone mine at Nongtrai," a
senior Industries department official told PTI on Tuesday.
Accordingly, mining activities began on Tuesday.
    The company has also resumed exporting limestone to
the companys cement plant at Chattak in Bangladesh, a company
official said.
    The cement major can export 5 million tonnes of
limestone annually through its 17 km-long conveyor belt across
the border that requires minimum human intervention.
    LafargeHolcim had stopped its mining activities at its
mine at Nongtrai village on March 19 following a shutdown
announced by the state, ahead of the national lockdown
announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
    "The company has developed standard operating
procedures to be followed by one and all. We are confident
that by following the SoPs, we shall be able to undertake our
operations in a safe manner during the coronavirus pandemic.
    "We are very proud of how we adapted to the new
reality of COVID-19, with our core value of health and safety
top of mind for all. Our companys response to the crisis was
recognized as best-in-class by International SOS, the world's
leading medical and travel Security Company," the company
official said.
The state has reported 12 COVID-19 cases so far, of
which one died. Eleven coronavirus positive patients have
recovered. PTI JOP
MM MM

(This story has not been edited by THE WEEK and is auto-generated from PTI)