Hindustan Zinc to Invest $2 Billion to Double Production Capacity

Hindustan Zinc
Image Courtesy: Hindustan Zinc

Hindustan Zinc, a Vedanta Group company, is set to invest up to $2 billion (about ₹17,000 crore) to double its production capacity to 2 million tonnes in the coming years, according to CEO Arun Misra. The company has engaged consultants to support its capacity expansion and is currently seeking mining partners, according to Misra. “Our plan is to increase production to 2 million tonnes. By the end of this quarter, we expect to announce specific projects, detailing scale and locations,” he stated.

Hindustan Zinc aims to reach a production level of 1.2 million tonnes (MT) by 2025, followed by 1.35 MT in 2026, and 1.8 MT in 2027, with the goal of hitting 2 million tonnes soon after. Discussing the investment needed, Misra said, “With most mining infrastructure already in place, the required investment is between $1.95 and $2 billion, roughly translating to ₹14,000 crore to ₹17,000 crore.”

On restructuring plans, Misra mentioned that discussions with stakeholders are ongoing, with considerations also aligning with the government’s plans for Hindustan Zinc’s disinvestment. Hindustan Zinc ranks as the world’s second-largest integrated zinc producer and the third-largest silver producer, with a market share of approximately 75% in India’s primary zinc market. The company exports to over 40 countries.

In its latest quarterly report, Hindustan Zinc posted a consolidated net profit of ₹2,327 crore for the quarter ending September 30, 2024, reflecting a 34.5% rise from the previous year’s profit of ₹1,729 crore, driven by higher revenue.

The company’s income in the July-September quarter grew to ₹8,522 crore, up from ₹7,014 crore a year ago. Of this, ₹6,403 crore was generated from zinc, lead, and other segments, while ₹1,550 crore came from silver sales.

Hindustan Zinc, a subsidiary of Vedanta Limited, is India’s largest and one of the world’s leading producers of zinc, lead, and silver. Established over five decades ago, the company plays a vital role in the global mining and metals sector, with fully integrated operations ranging from mining and smelting to refining and power generation.

Hindustan Zinc operates some of the most advanced mining facilities in the world, particularly in Rajasthan, where its key mines and smelting complexes are located. The company is a leader in sustainability, with a strong focus on energy efficiency, water conservation, and reducing carbon emissions, and aims to achieve net-zero emissions in the future.

Hindustan Zinc’s high-quality products serve industries such as automotive, construction, and infrastructure, and the company is a crucial player in supporting India’s industrial growth and development. Known for its responsible mining practices, Hindustan Zinc is committed to sustainable operations and community development.