Hindustan Zinc Becomes the First Indian Company to Join the International Council on Mining and Metals (ICMM)
• Joined the cohort of 25 global leaders setting
benchmarks in sustainable development and responsible mining
• Marked ICMM’s first new member since 2021
Hindustan Zinc Limited,
India’s only and the world’s largest integrated zinc producer, has become the
first Indian company to join the International Council on Mining and Metals
(ICMM) - a pivotal milestone that places India firmly on the global map of
responsible mining.
ICMM
is a leadership body of 25 of the world’s leading mining and metals companies
committed to advancing sustainable development, transparency, and ethical
practices across the mining value chain. Hindustan Zinc’s membership comes
following a rigorous independent assessment and endorsement by ICMM’s Council,
comprising the CEOs of member companies, based on recommendations from the
Independent Expert Review Panel (IERP). This marks the council’s first new
member since 2021 and reaffirms ICMM’s deepening engagement in South Asia.
Priya Agarwal Hebbar, Chairperson, Hindustan Zinc
Limited, said: “Hindustan Zinc’s induction into the
International Council on Mining and Metals (ICMM) marks a proud milestone - not
just for our company, but for India. HZL is the first company from India to
join this council. It reaffirms our commitment to sustainability, innovation,
and responsible resource development, while creating new opportunities to
collaborate with some of the world’s most respected leaders in mining. This is
our moment to lead from the front, power the global energy transition and set
new benchmarks for the industry.”
With
this milestone, Hindustan Zinc joins an elite group of global leaders
championing the future of responsible and sustainable mining, thereby
committing to ICMM’s 40 performance expectations
that span Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) practices. These include
third-party validation and apply across all company assets.
“It
is both an honour and a big responsibility for Hindustan Zinc to become the
first Indian company to join ICMM,” said Arun
Misra, CEO & Whole-time Director, Hindustan Zinc.” This milestone marks
a new chapter in our Sustainability 2.0 journey, grounded in transparency,
innovation and global best practices. For us, sustainability and good business
go hand in hand, and it is a strategic imperative to create lasting positive
impact on our environment, our communities, and the industry at large. As we
integrate ICMM’s principles across every facet of our operations, we look
forward to sharing our insights and gaining perspectives from global peers,
contributing to a safer, more responsible future for mining worldwide and the
planet” he added.
“We
are delighted to welcome Hindustan Zinc Limited as ICMM’s first Indian member.
Hindustan Zinc Limited’s membership will not only strengthen our collective
efforts but also reinforce its own leadership within India’s mining industry.
This is a significant milestone for ICMM - our first new member since Boliden
joined in 2021 and a key step in deepening our engagement in the region. The
growing interest from companies in joining ICMM reflects the positive momentum
we’re seeing in our mission to influence the broader mining industry,” said Rohitesh Dhawan, President and CEO, ICMM.
Headquartered
in Udaipur, Hindustan Zinc’s operations include silver-lead-zinc underground
mines, smelters (metal production plant) and allied infrastructure across
northwest India. As a publicly listed entity, the company maintains independent
governance, sustainability reporting and disclosure practices. The IERP
recognized Hindustan Zinc’s leadership in tailings management, decarbonisation,
circular economy, and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI).
Hindustan
Zinc is widely recognized as a sustainability front-runner in the metals and
mining sector. In 2024, it was ranked the world’s most sustainable company in
the sector by the S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment for the
second consecutive year. Further deepening its impact, the company has adopted
ambitious 2030 Sustainable Goals that target climate action, biodiversity,
water stewardship, circularity and inclusive growth. The company continues to
make strides to become net zero by 2050 or sooner. Notably, Hindustan Zinc was
the first Indian metals & mining company to secure Science Based Targets
Initiative (SBTi) validated targets aligned to the 1.5°C global warming
threshold. The company has reduced GHG emissions intensity by 15% in FY25 vs
2020 baseline while increasing production. Early last year, the company
received the first flow of renewable power used to produce Asia’s first
low-carbon zinc, EcoZen. Hindustan Zinc boasts of an Environmental Product
Declaration (EPD) verified portfolio, ensuring product-level transparency
As
the world transitions towards clean energy, Hindustan Zinc is uniquely
positioned to lead with purpose, balancing growth with environmental
stewardship and social progress. Its ICMM membership cements its role as a
global benchmark for responsible mining and amplifies India’s voice in shaping
the future of ethical resource development.