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• Hon’ble Minister reviewed technology-led underground mining, integrated smelting operations and flagship community development programmes in Rajasthan

• Commended Hindustan Zinc’s tech-first mining operations, safety-led culture, diverse workforce and contribution towards building a self-reliant metals ecosystem for India

Hindustan Zinc Limited, the world’s largest integrated zinc producer and one of the top global silver producers, hosted Shri G. Kishan Reddy, Hon’ble Union Minister of Coal and Mines, Government of India, at its Rajpura Dariba Complex in Rajasthan. The visit included a holistic tour of the company’s Sindesar Khurd Mine, one of the world’s largest silver-producing and technologically advanced underground mines, and Dariba Smelting Complex, a state-of-the-art smelting facility.

With an annual refined metal production capacity of over 1.1 million tonnes, Hindustan Zinc plays a strategic role in strengthening India’s mineral security and domestic metals ecosystem. The visit highlighted the growing strategic importance of India’s mining and metals sector in securing the raw materials required for the country’s infrastructure expansion, manufacturing growth, energy transition and emerging technologies. Metals such as zinc, lead and silver are critical for sectors including steel galvanization, renewable energy, electric mobility, electronics, defence and advanced manufacturing. As India moves towards becoming a globally competitive self-sufficient manufacturing and industrial economy under Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat, the development of large-scale, technology-driven and globally competitive mining operations will play a vital role in reducing import dependence, strengthening mineral security and unlocking long-term economic value for the nation.

Hon’ble Minister was accompanied by Mr. Arun Misra, CEO of Hindustan Zinc, Mr. Vivek Bajpai, Joint Secretary - Ministry of Mines, along with the company’s senior leadership team during the visit. During the visit, the Hon’ble Minister undertook an underground visit to Sindesar Khurd Mine, which stands as a benchmark in underground mining through its scale, silver-rich ore body and technology-led practices focused on safety, productivity and operational excellence. He visited the product gallery and was briefed through a special video and presentation on the mine’s history, capacity, safety systems, paste filling and tele-remote operations. He also visited the control room and reviewed remote-operated equipment, witnessing the company’s technology-led approach to safer and more efficient underground mining. The Hon’ble Minister also witnessed a live demonstration by India’s first women mine rescue team, recognising the company’s efforts towards inclusion, capability-building and safety excellence in mining operations.

He interacted with 54 Zinc Ratna contract workers, women mining engineers and other employees during lunch at the Sindesar Khurd Mine canteen, acknowledging their contribution to Hindustan Zinc’s operational excellence and India’s mining growth story.

At Dariba Smelting Complex, the Hon’ble Minister visited the control room, cell house and cathode yard, gaining an overview of Hindustan Zinc’s integrated mining-to-metal capabilities and its focus on safe, responsible and value-added metals production.

He also met women leaders at the complex and appreciated Hindustan Zinc’s efforts towards inclusion, leadership development and workforce diversity, including its 26.3% women workforce in the metals and mining sector.

Shri G. Kishan Reddy, Hon’ble Union Minister of Coal and Mines, Government of India, said, “India’s journey towards Viksit Bharat 2047 will be built on the strength of its mineral resources, domestic capabilities and future-ready industries. Hindustan Zinc’s operations reflect how the country’s mining sector is evolving into a modern, responsible and technology-driven growth engine for the nation. Its integrated tech-first mining-to-metal capabilities, focus on safety, innovation, diverse workforce and community development demonstrate the kind of self-reliant industrial ecosystem envisioned by Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi.

As India strengthens its critical mineral value chains, Hindustan Zinc will play an important role in reducing import dependence, unlocking greater value from domestic resources and supporting manufacturing and long-term economic resilience. Responsible mining will be central to this transformation, enabling India to convert its mineral potential into national strength, industrial competitiveness and inclusive growth.”

The visit also highlighted Hindustan Zinc’s deep-rooted community development work across Rajasthan. The Hon’ble Minister reviewed flagship initiatives through an immersive CSR showcase, including Sakhi for women’s empowerment and entrepreneurship; RO Water ATMs for access to safe drinking water; Shiksha Sambal for quality education and academic support among rural youth; Zinc Football girl athletes from rural communities; and healthcare outreach through mobile health vans and cancer screening initiatives.

He also interacted with beneficiaries of the company’s flagship Unchi Udaan programme, who have gone on to build successful careers and are now employed with Coal India, reflecting the long-term impact of Hindustan Zinc’s education-led community initiatives. These programmes reflect Hindustan Zinc’s commitment to creating long-term social impact alongside business growth.

He was also briefed on Hindustan Zinc’s sustainability journey, including its efforts towards responsible mining, resource efficiency, water stewardship, energy transition, low-carbon growth and technology-led transformation across operations. Discussions centred on the role of Indian mining companies in advancing mineral security, strengthening domestic value chains and supporting the country’s long-term economic growth.

Beyond its operations, Hindustan Zinc continues to play a significant role in Rajasthan’s socio-economic development through employment generation, local enterprise development, community infrastructure, education, healthcare, water access and women-led livelihood initiatives. The company’s integrated presence across mining, smelting and allied operations has contributed to strengthening regional economic activity while enabling communities around its operations to participate in long-term growth.

The visit reinforced Hindustan Zinc’s integrated approach to self-sufficiency, combining operational excellence with technology, sustainability and community development. As India moves towards a future shaped by critical minerals, domestic manufacturing and resilient supply chains, Hindustan Zinc remains focused on advancing responsible mining, creating value-added metals, supporting Rajasthan’s development and contributing to India’s journey towards Viksit Bharat.