Production Stops at Adani ACC Cement Plant in Jhinkpani, Livelihood Crisis Looms Over 1,500 Workers  

Chaibasa: Operations at the Adani ACC Cement Plant in Jhinkpani of West Singhbhum district have come to a complete standstill, triggering serious concerns among employees and workers regarding their future employment and livelihood.

According to sources, cement production at the plant has remained suspended since April 1 following the stoppage of clinker supply, while operations of the associated power plant were also shut down completely from May 3. The sudden halt in industrial activities has created an atmosphere of uncertainty across the region.

Clinker Supply Disruption Behind Production Shutdown

The Adani Group had acquired ACC in September 2022. The Jhinkpani-based cement unit has a production capacity of nearly 2,500 tons per day.

After the closure of nearby limestone mines, the company had continued cement production by sourcing clinker from its manufacturing units located in Baragarh and Sindri. Production functioned normally as long as clinker supplies continued uninterrupted.

However, the supply of clinker reportedly stopped completely after March 31, leading to the suspension of cement manufacturing activities at the plant from April 1 onward.

Entire Plant Operations Brought to a Standstill

As production remained suspended, the company eventually halted operations across the entire facility, including the captive power unit, from May 3.

Despite the prolonged shutdown, the company management has not yet issued any formal statement regarding the future of the plant, possible resumption of production, or the employment status of workers.

This silence from the management has intensified anxiety among employees, especially contract workers dependent on the plant for their daily livelihood.

Around 1,500 Contract Workers Face Uncertainty

The plant currently has around 70 permanent employees, including nearly 30 managerial staff and approximately 40 personnel under the SFA category.

Besides permanent staff, nearly 1,500 contract workers are employed through six contracting agencies operating in different departments of the plant. Major contractors associated with the facility include Jamuna Kumari, Piyush Construction, Singh & Sons, Raja Enterprises, and Singh Enterprises.

Workers fear that if the shutdown continues for a prolonged period, they may face severe financial hardship and unemployment.

Industrial Sector Concerned Over Economic Impact

The shutdown of such a major industrial unit has sparked widespread discussion within industrial and business circles in West Singhbhum district.

Local residents and traders believe that the closure of the cement plant could adversely impact the regional economy, transportation services, small businesses, and hundreds of families dependent on the industrial ecosystem surrounding the factory.

Industrial observers state that Jhinkpani has long been recognised as a key industrial belt, and prolonged closure of the plant could significantly affect economic activity in the region.

All Eyes on Management’s Next Decision

With production remaining suspended and no official clarification issued so far, workers and local residents are anxiously awaiting the company management’s next move.

Employees hope that clinker supply issues will be resolved soon and operations at the plant will resume before the crisis deepens further for thousands of affected families.