Hindustan Zinc Limited, the world’s second-largest integrated zinc producer, has launched the second phase of its project to convert 16 hectares of wasteland at its Chanderiya Lead-Zinc Smelter into a greenbelt. In collaboration with The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI), the company is using Mycorrhiza technology to foster a biodiverse ecosystem and protect natural habitats around its facilities.
The area in question, previously dominated by Jarofix—a byproduct of metal extraction rich in iron—is now undergoing a transformation. Mycorrhiza technology, which enhances plant growth through a symbiotic relationship with fungi, is being employed to create a dense and thriving green cover.
This approach has already proven effective in an initial phase where 6.25 hectares were successfully converted with approximately 11,000 native species planted. The ongoing project aims to stabilize slopes, control erosion, and enhance carbon sequestration. This initiative received recognition with the CII National Award for Environmental Best Practices in 2021.
Arun Misra, CEO of Hindustan Zinc, expressed pride in the company’s environmental achievements, highlighting the reclamation of the wasteland as a testament to their commitment to sustainable practices. “We are leading by example, showing how industrial by-products can be transformed into valuable green assets,” Misra said.
In addition to this project, Hindustan Zinc is making strides in reducing its carbon footprint by increasing its use of renewable energy and enhancing operational efficiency. The company recently began sourcing power from Serentica’s 180 MW solar project as part of a larger 450-MW renewable energy agreement. To offset carbon emissions, Hindustan Zinc has conducted extensive afforestation efforts, planting over 2 million trees in Rajasthan and Uttarakhand.
The company has also implemented Miyawaki plantations to create dense forests rapidly and launched a Taskforce on Nature-Related Financial Disclosures (TNFD) report to integrate nature-related risks into strategic planning. A three-year collaboration with the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) further underscores its commitment to environmental stewardship.
The conversion of the Jarofix wasteland into a greenbelt illustrates Hindustan Zinc’s proactive approach to addressing environmental challenges and contributing to broader sustainability goals. The company plans to complete 1 million plantings by 2025, reinforcing its role in carbon sequestration and biodiversity conservation.
Hindustan Zinc, a Vedanta Group company, stands out in the metals and mining sector for its innovative technologies and sustainability practices. It has been recognized as the world’s most sustainable company in its category by the S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment 2023. The company also introduced EcoZen, Asia’s first low-carbon ‘green’ zinc brand, and remains committed to achieving Net Zero emissions by 2050 or sooner.
