Cement is the binding material that hardens to join building materials. Available in powder form, it is mixed with sand and water to create mortar and paste. In Nepal, the primary types of cement used are Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) and Portland Pozzolana Cement (PPC).
Himal Cement Company Limited was the pioneer in domestic cement production in Nepal, starting in 1975 AD. Today, there are 124 legally registered cement industries in the country, with 65 already operational.
The total production capacity of Nepal's cement industry is approximately 22 million metric tons per annum (MTPA), with a consistent increase due to the emergence of new and larger companies.
Here are the top five cement factories in Nepal based on production capacity:
Hongshi Shivam Cement
The largest cement factory in Nepal, Hongshi Shivam Cement Pvt. Ltd, boasts a production capacity of 6000 metric tons per day (MTPD). Located in the Nawalpur district of Gandaki Province, the company is a joint venture with 70% owned by Hongshi-China Company and 30% by Shivam Cement.
Shivam Cement
The second-largest cement factory, Shivam Cement, is situated in the Makawanpur district of Bagmati Province. It has a production capacity of 3000 MTPD and produces only OPC, available in OPC 43 grade and OPC 53 grade.
Ghorai Cement
Ghorahi Cement Industries, the third-largest in Nepal, produces Sagarmatha OPC and PPC Cement. With a production capacity of 2400 metric tons per day, it is owned by Triveni Group in partnership with Vishal Group and is located in Ghorai City, Dang district, Lumbini Province.
Arghakhanchi Cement
Arghakhanchi Cement Limited (ACL) produces high-quality cement and clinker using modern technology. Located in Rupandehi district, Lumbini Province, it has a production capacity of 2375 metric tons per day.
ACL is owned by Siddhartha Group, Murarka Organization, Kedia Organization, and Uma Cement Global Pvt. Ltd.
Riddhi Siddhi Cement
Established in the Makwanpur district of Bagmati Province, Riddhi Siddhi Cement Pvt. Ltd is a joint venture between Shankar Group and Ambe Group. The plant's total capacity is 2200 metric tons per day, with plans for future expansion.
