In the lead-up to World Water Day, Hindustan Zinc Limited (NSE: HINDZINC), the largest zinc producer in India and the second-largest globally, has announced the recycling of over 18 billion litres of water in FY24. This volume is roughly equal to the yearly water usage of 100,000 households in Rajasthan. Operating in one of India’s most water-scarce regions, the company continues to prioritize sustainable water management, achieving a water-positive status of 2.41 times and maintaining a zero liquid discharge (ZLD) policy. This policy ensures that all process water and effluent are treated, recycled, and reused, minimizing dependence on freshwater resources.
As a global leader in sustainable mining, Hindustan Zinc is deeply committed to both operational and community-based water conservation efforts. Ahead of World Water Day, the company highlighted its ongoing water management projects across various districts in Rajasthan. In the coming week, the company will open a new 4,000 kilolitre per day (KLD) ZLD facility at Rampura Agucha, which hosts the world’s largest underground zinc mining operation. Alongside existing ZLD plants at its other facilities, this new plant reinforces Hindustan Zinc’s long-standing commitment to responsible water management.
On World Water Day, Priya Agarwal Hebbar, Chairperson of Hindustan Zinc Limited, commented, “Water is vital for a sustainable future, and at Hindustan Zinc, our water management efforts go beyond operational efficiency to include long-term water security for communities and industries. As a 2.41 times water-positive company, we are focused on replenishing and protecting vital water resources. By integrating sustainable water practices at the heart of our strategy, we prove that industrial progress and environmental responsibility can go hand in hand.”
In addition to its operational commitments, Hindustan Zinc has launched several large-scale water projects to improve groundwater recharge and access to clean water in rural Rajasthan. In Agucha, Bhilwara district, the company has renovated local ponds, benefiting nearly 25,000 people by improving water availability and local biodiversity. In Rajsamand district, the company deepened four ponds, enhancing storage capacity by 55,000 m3 (55 million litres), benefiting over 10,000 people. Further initiatives are planned for the next fiscal year. In Chanderiya, the company introduced a lift irrigation scheme to support over 100 farmers, promoting sustainable agriculture.
Hindustan Zinc has also pioneered Udaipur’s first sewage treatment plant (STP) under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, treating 60 million litres of wastewater daily. This plant plays a key role in keeping the city’s lakes clean while supplying treated water to the company’s operations, significantly reducing freshwater use.
The company’s extensive community efforts include an artificial groundwater recharge project in Bhilwara, which has added 87 lakh cubic meters (8.7 billion litres) of recharge potential through desilting ponds, strengthening embankments, and constructing 358 recharge shafts. Hindustan Zinc’s water initiatives also include the provision of 4 million litres of safe drinking water via reverse osmosis plants and water ATMs, benefiting many rural communities.
In Rajsamand, Hindustan Zinc has launched the innovative “Jal Sakhi” initiative, a women-led enterprise that operates water ATMs, supplying clean water to nearly 50,000 people, while empowering women entrepreneurs.
As part of its commitment to improving water access, Hindustan Zinc has delivered over 15 million litres of water to 20 water-scarce villages across Rajasthan in FY24, contributing to a decrease in waterborne diseases such as cholera and dysentery.
Hindustan Zinc Limited, a subsidiary of Vedanta Group, is the world’s second-largest integrated zinc producer and the third-largest silver producer. The company serves over 40 countries and holds a 75% share of India’s primary zinc market. Hindustan Zinc has been named the world’s most sustainable company in the metals and mining sector for the second consecutive year by the S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment 2024, recognizing its excellence in operations, innovation, and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices.
The company also launched EcoZen, Asia’s first low-carbon “green” zinc, produced using renewable energy with a carbon footprint approximately 75% lower than the global average. Hindustan Zinc is certified as a 2.41 times water-positive company and is committed to achieving Net Zero emissions by 2050 or earlier. The company’s social initiatives positively impact over 2 million people, making it one of the Top 10 CSR companies in India. As a leader in the global mining industry, Hindustan Zinc plays a crucial role in providing essential metals for the transition to a sustainable energy future.
