New Delhi (Staff Correspondent): Hindustan Zinc Limited (HZL) is working with a vision to double its production capacity to 2 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) by 2030, aligning with India’s rapid infrastructure expansion and growing steel demand. In a letter to shareholders, Priya Agarwal Hebbar, Chairperson of Hindustan Zinc Limited, emphasized the company’s record-breaking production, cost leadership, and strategic advancements in sustainability and digitalization.
The Chairperson highlighted Hindustan Zinc’s focus on cost optimization, operational excellence, and business expansion, including progress on its roaster (an advanced furnace that processes mined metal for further stages of production) and fertilizer plant projects. She underscored zinc’s critical role in steel galvanization, positioning Hindustan Zinc at the heart of India’s industrial and economic aspirations.
Discussing the company’s focus on critical and transition minerals she said, “We are also expanding into critical minerals, having been declared the preferred bidders for several blocks across India. This marks a strategic step into transition minerals, reinforcing our commitment to the global energy transition. As India moves towards becoming the world’s third-largest economy, Hindustan Zinc is well-positioned to meet its needs with strong fundamentals, sustainability-driven strategies, and technological advancements,” Priya Agarwal Hebbar added.
Hindustan Zinc remains at the forefront of India’s energy transition, prioritizing renewable energy, water conservation, and circular economy initiatives. The company achieved its first renewable power flow under the 450MW renewable energy agreement in May 2024, and with Board approval to expand capacity to 530MW by 2028. 70% of its energy needs will be met through renewables, reducing carbon emissions by nearly 70%. Hindustan Zinc continues to lead in waste-to-wealth initiatives, commissioning India’s first Fumer plant at Chanderiya for sustainable metal recovery and pioneering Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD) plants at Agucha and Zawar, setting new benchmarks for environmental stewardship in the mining sector. The company continues to be certified 2.41 times water positive. Hindustan Zinc’s commitment to sustainability has earned it global recognition, being named the world’s most sustainable metals & mining company for the second consecutive year by the S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment 2024.
Priya Agarwal Hebbar also emphasized Hindustan Zinc’s commitment to digital transformation, stating that highly automated and AI-driven processes, including tele-remote operations for underground mining and advanced robotics in metal production, have enhanced productivity while minimizing human intervention. The company’s adoption of AI and Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) technologies has further strengthened its operational efficiency, setting industry benchmarks in ore extraction, processing, and metal production.
Hindustan Zinc delivered a record-breaking Q3 FY25 performance, reporting its highest-ever third quarter revenue of ₹8,614 crores and an EBITDA of ₹4,539 crores, with an industry-leading EBITDA margin of ~53%. The company also recorded its highest-ever nine-month mined and refined metal production at 784 kt and 783 kt, respectively, maintaining its position as one of India’s top metal companies by market capitalization.
Hindustan Zinc’s commitment to fostering an inclusive workplace is evident in its growing gender diversity. Women now comprise nearly 25% of the company’s talent pool, including over 700 employees out of which 200 are in core operations. Priya Agarwal Hebbar expressed particular pride in Hindustan Zinc’s all-women underground mine rescue teams, which are setting new benchmarks nationally and globally.
As Hindustan Zinc continues to expand its footprint in critical minerals, sustainability, and digital innovation, it remains firmly positioned to lead the metals and mining industry into a new era of responsible and technology-driven growth.
