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•  Hybrid-powered crane deployed at Zinc Smelter Debari, Rajasthan marks a major step in reducing operational emissions while accelerating the transition to low-carbon industrial infrastructure

•  Deployment reinforces Hindustan Zinc’s commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 or sooner

Hindustan Zinc Limited, the world’s largest integrated zinc producer and one of the top ten silver producers globally, has deployed India’s first 250 Metric Tonne capacity electric crane at Zinc Smelter Debari in Rajasthan. The hybrid lifting machine, capable of operating on both diesel and electric power, marks a significant step in the company’s journey to decarbonize core operations and integrate clean technologies across industrial infrastructure.

The deployment is the latest in a string of forward-looking transitions under the company’s green roadmap that leads to a wider sustainability fleet. Over the past three years, a wide suite of clean mobility solutions has been rolled out across its operations - from operating India’s 1^st underground battery electric vehicles (BEVs) to electric and LNG-powered logistics fleets. In partnership with GreenLine Mobility, the company has established Rajasthan’s largest EV bulker fleet with 40 electric bulkers and recently deployed first two electric buses for employee transit as part of a 41-bus green mobility initiative, which is notably the first EV passenger bus of the Rajasthan State. Earlier this year, the company also launched four electric loaders at the Rampura Agucha Mine, expanding the footprint of electric-powered equipment across operations.

Speaking on the initiative, Arun Misra, CEO, Hindustan Zinc, said, “At Hindustan Zinc, sustainability is deeply embedded in how we operate, innovate and grow. The deployment of India’s first 250 MT electric crane is another example of our resolve to adopt clean technology and redefine how core industry transitions to low-carbon solutions. This initiative reflects our efforts to foster a culture of sustainability while laying the foundation for a greener and more resilient industrial ecosystem.”

This industrial solution is a milestone reflecting a deeper shift toward greener, more responsible and sustainable industrial adoptions. The crane will play a pivotal role in reducing on-site emissions and is expected to avoid approximately 250.8 tCO₂e annually by replacing a diesel-operated crane consuming around 93,600 litres of diesel per year, improving operational energy efficiency, and demonstrating the scalability of hybrid technologies in sectors often considered hard-to-abate.

Deepak Garg, Managing Director, SANY India, said, “Hindustan Zinc has consistently demonstrated industry leadership in adopting technologies that redefine sustainable mining. At Sany, we are honoured to partner with the company in deploying India’s first 250-tonne diesel-electric hybrid all-terrain crane, a solution designed to improve energy efficiency, reduce emissions and support more responsible industrial operations. This milestone reflects our shared commitment to advancing innovation that delivers both operational excellence and meaningful environmental impact.”

In 2022-23, Hindustan Zinc became the first company in India to deploy underground BEVs at Sindesar Khurd Mine, one of the world’s largest silver-producing underground mines. The initiative has since evolved into a multi-unit model, demonstrating the effectiveness of cleaner alternatives in complex underground mining environments. Further strengthening this transition, over 250 LNG trucks now transport concentrate between mining sites and smelters, making Hindustan Zinc Rajasthan’s largest LNG fleet operator in industrial logistics. The company’s climate action initiatives are also aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 2030, particularly those focused on clean energy, climate action, responsible production, and sustainable industrial innovation.

These initiatives are supported by the company’s decarbonization roadmap to achieve Net Zero emissions by 2050 or sooner. As the first Indian company to join the International Council on Mining and Metals, Hindustan Zinc continues to improve energy efficiency, reduce its carbon footprint and accelerate clean energy adoption. The company has increased renewables to nearly 18% of its power mix, commissioned over 530 MW of round-the-clock renewable energy capacity, and aims to reduce Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 50% and Scope 3 emissions by 25% from the 2020 baseline.

Further cementing its green credentials, Hindustan Zinc launched EcoZen - Asia’s first low-carbon zinc brand - produced using renewable power and designed for responsible sourcing by global customers. The company also holds the distinction of being the first Indian producer certified under the international Zinc Mark validation under the Copper Mark Assurance Process, this year. The company’s sustainability leadership has received global recognition, with Hindustan Zinc being named the world’s most sustainable metals and mining company for the third consecutive year in the S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment 2025.