GMDC to ‘cement' Rs 5,000-cr investments in Kutch

Ahmedabad : It is a curious mining problem: if Gujarat doesn't make cement, it cannot generate thermal power. That is, if Gujarat fails to mine out limestone, the most important ingredient in cement-making, it cannot dig out the much-needed lignite for thermal power sector, as the fuel reserves lie hidden under layers of limestone of the best quality, known as Plus-40 Grade calcium oxide limestone, available only in Kutch.

So, the State Government-promoted Gujarat Minerals Development Corporation Ltd (GMDC), which has diversified into thermal power generation as well in and outside Gujarat, has found a way out — assuring long-term limestone supply to potential cement makers, it is offering them this month to set up cement plants in Kutch district to clear the way for lignite mining thereafter.