#India #Udaipur #Hindustan Zinc #CIMIC Group #Zinc Recycling

Overview

Hindustan Zinc Limited, a major player in the zinc production sector and part of the Vedanta Group, has recently announced a landmark collaboration with CIMIC Group subsidiaries Sedgman and Leighton Asia. This partnership will establish India's pioneering zinc tailings recycling facility at the esteemed Rampura Agucha Mines in Rajasthan.

Project Significance

This innovative facility will utilize advanced processing techniques to recover valuable metals, including zinc and silver, from previously processed tailings. In essence, it aims to reduce mining waste by transforming it into a resource—a significant step towards a circular economy in the mining industry.

Arun Misra, CEO of Hindustan Zinc, emphasized that the future of India’s industrial growth relies as much on efficient resource utilization as on mining volume. The endeavor marks a crucial transition from mere extraction to optimizing existing resources, thus promoting sustainable mining practices.

Investment and Infrastructure

Hindustan Zinc has approved an ambitious investment of ₹3,823 crore to develop this facility, which is projected to reprocess 10 million tonnes of tailings per annum. The completion target is set for 28 months from the project’s initiation, underscoring the urgency and importance of the project.

Juan Santamaría, also highlighting the role of this facility, articulated that it not only reflects CIMIC Group’s commitment to the global energy transition but also emphasizes the potential to recover minerals critical to modern technologies and sustainable energy.

Technology and Implementation

Utilizing CIMIC’s expertise in infrastructure through Sedgman and Leighton Asia, the project aims to establish state-of-the-art practices that set new benchmarks for responsible mining operations. This effort aligns with global aspirations to minimize the ecological impact of mining activities while maximizing output and efficiency.

Hindustan Zinc’s Vision

Hindustan Zinc is recognized globally as the largest integrated zinc producer and has recently been acknowledged for its sustainability initiatives, being named the world's most sustainable metals and mining company by the S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment for three consecutive years. This reflects not only the company’s commitment to profitability but also to responsible and innovative mining practices for a sustainable future.

The establishment of the zinc tailings recycling facility is not merely a project but a blueprint for transforming legacy waste into valuable resources, strengthening India’s mineral security and paving the way for sustainable industry practices in the future.

Summary

In conclusion, the collaboration between Hindustan Zinc and CIMIC Group is a game-changer for India’s mining sector. It illustrates a comprehensive approach to resource management that emphasizes recycling, recovery, and sustainability. With the backdrop of advancing technology and infrastructure, this project serves as a model for other sectors aiming to reduce waste and improve resource utilization in their operations. The future of mining is here—where innovation meets sustainability.