CT Logo

Advancing biodiversity through ecosystem restoration, Miyawaki forests, and native species conservation

Hindustan Zinc Limited, the world's largest integrated zinc producer and one of the world’s top ten silver producers, has crossed a cumulative plantation count of 8.55 lakh saplings up to Q1 FY27 since 2020, reinforcing its commitment to biodiversity conservation, ecological restoration and climate resilience across its operations in Rajasthan and Uttarakhand. Supported by scientific afforestation, habitat restoration and biodiversity management programmes, the initiatives reflect Hindustan Zinc’s efforts to strengthen environmental resilience across its mining and smelting operations while contributing to climate action and ecosystem regeneration.

During FY26 alone, the company undertook plantation of 1,13,500 saplings. This is in line with HZL’s long-term commitment to halt and reverse biodiversity loss through measurable gains in the health, abundance, diversity and resilience of species, ecosystems, and natural processes, by 2030.

Highlighting the company's commitment to restoring ecosystems alongside industrial growth, Mr. Arun Misra, CEO, Hindustan Zinc, said: "Responsible mining goes beyond efficient operations. It is equally about restoring ecosystems and creating landscapes that thrive for generations. Every Nature conservation initiative represents our commitment to balancing industrial progress with environmental stewardship. Our efforts are focused on creating measurable environmental impact through scientific interventions, innovation and partnerships that enable nature and industry to thrive together. This commitment reflects our vision of responsible mining that contributes meaningfully to India's sustainable development journey."

Across its business units, Hindustan Zinc has implemented several flagship Nature conservation initiatives tailored to local ecological conditions. At the Chanderiya Lead-Zinc Smelter, Rajasthan the company has completed the restoration of 22.25 hectares of Jarofix Yard, using Mycorrhiza technology, and further aims to cover 250 hectares of natural forest development. Under the Green Zawar Initiative, Zawar Group of Mines has undertaken extensive plantation drives in Rawa Village, strengthening community participation in environmental conservation while improving local biodiversity.

The company has also adopted the Miyawaki plantation technique across Rajpura Dariba, Chanderiya, Debari and Kayad, sites enabling the development of dense native forests that grow significantly faster, support richer biodiversity and enhance long-term carbon sequestration. Complementing these efforts, Rampura Agucha Mines has established dedicated nursery infrastructure to nurture native saplings and ensure a sustainable supply of plantation material for future afforestation programmes.

In line with its commitment to protecting and enhancing biodiversity throughout the mine life cycle, Hindustan Zinc has developed and renewed Biodiversity Management Plans (BMPs) with a commitment towards achieving No Net Loss of Biodiversity, through its engagement with the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)

These initiatives form part of Hindustan Zinc's broader strategy to strengthen natural capital alongside its operational growth. The company's biodiversity roadmap focuses on restoring degraded land, increasing native vegetation, enhancing ecosystem services and integrating nature-based solutions across its operations.

As India's first metals and mining company to join the International Council on Mining and Metals (ICMM), Hindustan Zinc, a Vedanta Group company, is proving that responsible resource development can go hand in hand with ecological restoration, biodiversity conservation, and long-term environmental stewardship. Through our alignment with ICMM's Nature Position Statement, we are embedding nature-positive practices across our operations, value chain, landscapes, governance frameworks, and broader system transformation efforts. Together, these efforts reflect our commitment to creating lasting value for both people and the planet, while setting new benchmarks for sustainable mining globally.