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The company has deployed AI (artificial intelligence) based automation tool for optimizing dosing of chemical compounds

Hindustan Zinc Limited, India’s only and the world’s largest integrated zinc producer, has taken a significant step forward with the launch of an AI-powered automation tool designed to boost production efficiency.The tool uses advanced AI and machine learning-based recommendation models to optimize the use of key consumables—such as zinc dust, sodium sulphate, lime, and cement—while ensuring consistent, high-quality output. This intelligent system has been rigorously trained on vast historical data, enabling predictive and adaptive process optimization across operations.

Hindustan Zinc has unlocked high-potential opportunities by leveraging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), computer vision, drone technology, the Internet of Things (IoT), and Augmented Reality/Virtual Reality (AR/VR). These projects cover diverse areas, including process optimization, enhanced metal recovery, asset reliability, productivity, and sustainability. The implementation of this cutting-edge solution, developed in collaboration with deep-tech startup Ripik.AI under Vedanta’s global corporate accelerator Vedanta Spark, automates the dosing of consumables thereby reducing manual dependency. This underscores the company’s commitment to intelligent automation, resource efficiency, and agile operations.

By utilizing AI/ML based technology, Hindustan Zinc has reduced reliance on manual intervention and dosing of consumables thereby enhancing operational efficiencies. The company has also integrated real-time data analytics and IT-OT systems to ensure optimal resource utilization. This digital transformation spans across Hindustan Zinc’s three major smelting units – Chanderiya Smelting Complex in Chittorgarh, Dariba Smelting Complex in Rajsamand, and Zinc Smelter Debari in Udaipur. This innovative technology assimilates data from Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS), Distributed Control Systems (DCS), and Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) enabling advanced process control.

Speaking on the company’s digital initiatives, Arun Misra, CEO Hindustan Zinc Limited, said, “Leveraging technological innovation and automation is central to our vision of becoming a truly intelligent enterprise. Our proactive embrace of emerging technologies empowers us to engineer disruptive solutions and remain ahead of the industry curve. Through the automation of previously manual processes, we are minimizing human dependency, enabling real-time insights, and optimizing material consumption to drive exceptional operational outcomes.”

Currently, Hindustan Zinc is engaged with more than 40 tech startups on over 60 different projects and engaging with nearly 50 startups through Vedanta Spark to explore potential use-cases. Vedanta Spark is Vedanta’s unique global corporate accelerator and ventures program that collaborates with innovative startups to drive large-scale transformative impact by addressing critical business challenges through emerging technology. Under Vedanta Spark, Hindustan Zinc has unlocked high-potential opportunities by leveraging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning, computer vision, drone technology, the Internet of Things (IoT), and Augmented Reality/Virtual Reality (AR/VR). These projects cover diverse areas, including process optimization, enhanced metal recovery, asset reliability, productivity, and sustainability.

Hindustan Zinc continues to drive innovation in the metals & mining sector by deploying advanced technologies that enhance safety, efficiency, and sustainability. The company has established a first-of-its-kind digital collaboration centre that analyses data from all business units and provides real-time insights for robust decision-making process. Hindustan Zinc has deployed the first-of-its-kind AI-powered computer vision solution as part of the company’s broader strategy to implement digital transformation across its operations. The company is collaborating with new-age startups utilizing emerging-tech for real-time industrial diagnostics to monitor equipment and provide actionable insights to enhance performance and productivity.

Hindustan Zinc Limited, a Vedanta Group company, is the world’s largest integrated zinc producer and amongst the top 5 silver producers globally. The company holds a market share of about 77% of the primary zinc market in India. Hindustan Zinc has been recognized as the world’s most sustainable company in the metals and mining category for the second consecutive year by the S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment 2024. The company also launched EcoZen, Asia's first low carbon 'green' zinc brand, produced using renewable energy, EcoZen has a carbon footprint about 75% lower than the conventional zinc. Hindustan Zinc is also a certified 3.32 times Water-Positive company. As an energy transition metals company, Hindustan Zinc is pivotal in providing critical metals essential for a sustainable future.