Hindustan Zinc Limited (NSE: HINDZINC), India’s largest and the world’s second-largest integrated zinc producer, has unveiled its fourth Climate Action Report. This report, aligned with the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) S2 – Climate-related Disclosures, makes Hindustan Zinc the first company in India’s metals and mining sector to adopt these global standards. The initiative is part of the company’s ongoing commitment to providing transparent, voluntary disclosures about its climate action strategies, reinforcing its dedication to climate accountability.
Recognized as the world’s most sustainable company in the metals and mining sector by the S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment 2023, Hindustan Zinc continues to develop climate-resilient strategies aimed at achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 or earlier.
The latest report draws from the International Energy Agency’s 2023 World Energy Outlook, focusing on climate-related disclosures that offer detailed insights into the company’s climate action and mitigation strategies. It also highlights the transitional and physical climate risks faced across its operations and value chain, covering suppliers and customers alike.
Priya Agarwal Hebbar, Chairperson of Hindustan Zinc, shared, “Sustainability is fundamental to our identity. This report reflects the collective efforts made towards a greener future, including our focus on increasing renewable energy usage as part of our Science-Based Targets initiative (SBTi) commitment. By aligning with IFRS S2, we reaffirm our dedication to transparency in climate action.”
Hindustan Zinc has engaged an independent firm to provide assurance on its climate-related disclosures, in line with the Assurance Standard ISAE 3000. The report outlines the company’s approach to reducing its carbon footprint through renewable energy use, enhanced operational efficiency, and the adoption of low-carbon fuel and electric vehicles. Furthermore, Hindustan Zinc is implementing large-scale afforestation projects, aiming to plant 1 million saplings by 2025 to create essential carbon sinks.
Additionally, the company is conducting extensive value chain assessments to evaluate climate risks and opportunities at the supplier and customer levels. Regular training programs are being held for vendors to promote sustainable practices across the value chain. Hindustan Zinc’s product portfolio is the first in the country to receive Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) verification, providing detailed data on the environmental impact of its products.
Hindustan Zinc’s 4th Climate Action Report highlights significant strides in sustainability, including a 14% reduction in GHG emissions intensity for FY 2024 compared to the 2020 baseline, and the launch of EcoZen, Asia’s first low-carbon ‘green’ zinc with a carbon footprint of under 1 tonne per tonne produced.
The company achieved 2.41 times water positivity, particularly important given its operations in water-scarce Rajasthan, and validated its Science-Based Targets initiative (SBTi) goals aligned with the 1.5°C Paris Agreement.
Other key accomplishments include securing a 450 MW renewable power supply agreement, with a 180 MW solar project in Bikaner, sourcing 100% renewable power for the Pantnagar Metal Plant, and deploying battery electric vehicles in underground mining.
Hindustan Zinc has also utilized biomass in power plants to reduce CO2 emissions by 76,035 TCO2e, signed an agreement for 180 LNG vehicles for transport, and advanced circular economy practices by repurposing by-products like Fly Ash and Jarosite in cement and road construction. Additionally, the company inaugurated a 4,000 KLD zero liquid discharge plant at Zawar Mines, Rajasthan.
As part of the Vedanta Group, Hindustan Zinc is a leader in the global energy transition, providing critical metals essential for sustainable development. The company remains committed to achieving Net Zero emissions by 2050 and continues to drive innovation and excellence in its ESG practices.
