Ahead of World Corrosion Awareness Day on April 24, Hindustan Zinc Limited (NSE: HINDZINC), India’s largest and the world’s leading integrated zinc producer, launched a multi-channel campaign under the banner #ZungKeKhilaafZinc. The initiative sheds light on a costly but preventable issue—corrosion—which is estimated to drain nearly 5% of India’s GDP each year, or over $100 billion, through infrastructure decay and metal deterioration.
The campaign focuses on galvanization—coating steel with zinc—as a cost-effective and scalable solution. Zinc forms a protective barrier that significantly extends the lifespan of steel, particularly in high-risk environments exposed to humidity, salt, or pollution.
As part of its week-long outreach, Hindustan Zinc organized public demonstrations, social media drives, and a nationwide survey to spark public dialogue. A notable highlight included a side-by-side display in Udaipur (popularly known as Zinc City), featuring two two-wheelers—one galvanized, the other not. The contrast was clear: while the non-galvanized vehicle showed visible rusting, the galvanized one remained corrosion-free. The demonstration targeted a broad audience including youth, entrepreneurs, and everyday consumers.
Commenting on the campaign, Arun Misra, CEO of Hindustan Zinc, emphasized, “Corrosion silently erodes national wealth. At Hindustan Zinc, we believe real change starts with awareness. Galvanization isn’t just an industrial solution—it’s a smart choice for homeowners, vehicle buyers, and infrastructure planners. Our goal is to empower consumers to ask the right questions and choose protection that pays for itself in the long run.”
The timing aligns with World Corrosion Awareness Day, an initiative by the World Corrosion Organization (WCO), which highlights the global cost of corrosion—estimated at over $2.5 trillion annually, or 3% to 4% of global GDP. In comparison, countries like Japan and Australia have successfully lowered this burden to around 1.5%, thanks to widespread adoption of zinc-coated materials.
The automotive industry, in particular, stands to benefit. Around 70% of a vehicle’s body is made of steel, and without protective coatings, it is highly vulnerable to rust—especially in India’s coastal and humid regions. Automakers in India are increasingly adopting zinc-based coatings for vehicle bodies, especially the body-in-white (BIW) structure.
The added cost of galvanization is minimal—less than 0.1% of a car’s price—but delivers long-term benefits like improved safety, durability, and resale value. Hindustan Zinc is also conducting a detailed national survey to gather insights on the impact of corrosion across various sectors and regions, particularly in extreme weather zones.
Hindustan Zinc Limited (BSE: 500188, NSE: HINDZINC), a part of the Vedanta Group, is the world’s largest integrated producer of zinc and among the top five silver producers globally. The company commands around 75% of India’s primary zinc market and supplies to over 40 countries worldwide.
Recognized by the S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment 2024 as the world’s most sustainable metals and mining company for the second consecutive year, Hindustan Zinc has set benchmarks in ESG performance, innovation, and clean energy use. The company recently introduced EcoZen, Asia’s first low-carbon zinc brand, produced entirely using renewable power. EcoZen boasts a carbon footprint of less than 1 tonne CO₂ equivalent per tonne of zinc—approximately 75% lower than the global average.
A certified 2.41x water-positive entity, Hindustan Zinc is also committed to achieving net zero emissions by 2050 or earlier. Its community initiatives have reached 1.9 million people, placing it among India’s top 10 CSR contributors. As a supplier of energy transition metals, Hindustan Zinc plays a crucial role in enabling a sustainable industrial future.
