HIGH PROFILE
Hindustan Zinc has given an equal platform for women engineers in its mining operations , appointing India ’ s first female underground mine manager in 2021
We are leveraging more digitalisation and automation than we ever have , as well as engaging with technology leaders to do ‘ more with less ’.
The SmartDrive equipment we plan to use enables higher productivity , lower operating costs and , most importantly , zero local emissions , featuring in-built energy recuperation technology to make the most of regenerative braking energy during downhill driving and deceleration .
Being a power-intensive business , our key focus is always on reducing dependence on nonrenewable sources of energy and enhancing our renewable power base .
IM : How important has it been to partner with like-minded technology and solution providers to ensure you meet these ambitious goals ? Can you provide some examples here ? AM : We always look for partners who align with our philosophy of running sustainable operations to achieve company goals . We don ’ t need one-off solutions from companies to meet our targets ; we need companies that will engage throughout our medium- and long-term projects and provide an element of customisation that factors in the realities of operating in our underground mines . We look for global partners to work with us where we exchange ideas , insights and knowledge with them in our growth journey .
We believe in providing opportunities to our business partners to leverage collaboration on technology , innovation and digitalisation , for long-term value creation and mutual growth .
To support our expansion plan , it is crucial for Hindustan Zinc to collaborate with mine development and operation partners who share a similar vision to ours , which is to leverage cuttingedge technology to create a positive impact on the entire mining fraternity . We are currently working with companies like Sandvik , Epiroc , Normet , Barminco , RCT , Siemens , etc as our global partners . We have engaged with them to provide end-to-end solutions rather than sourcing a specific supply or service . are you investing in your mining , power and smelting operations to make them more environmentally friendly ? AM : As a COP26 business leader , we have always been active in tackling the repercussions of climate change and have a strong focus on reducing carbon emissions . We are pioneers in India , declaring our ambition to convert all our mining equipment to battery-operated electric vehicles and will invest $ 1 billion over the next five years to make our mining operations environmentally friendly .
We are continuously expanding our renewable power of 274 MW of wind and 40 MW of solar under our greenhouse gas reduction goals by converting 50 % of our total power to renewable forms in the next five years . We are among the only two metal and mining companies globally – and among four Indian companies – to be part of the coveted CDP ( Carbon Disclosure Project ) ‘ A List ’ 2020 .
Furthermore , we have even published our first Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosure ( TCFD ) Report this year and have also joined the Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures ( TNFD ) forum to understand nature-related risks and opportunities and accelerate the transition towards a nature-positive and carbon-neutral future .
We have set Sustainability Development Goals to 2025 for ourselves where we are aiming towards sustainable operations for a greener tomorrow .
IM : At the same time as this , HZL has embarked on a major growth push at your mining operations with six ongoing expansion projects that will see over 100 km of tunnels developed for underground infrastructure and ore access . How are you able to balance your sustainable expansion plans with pledges to reduce your overall footprint ? AM : We strive for operational excellence and cost efficiencies and continue to stay on the growth track while being equally cognisant of our environmental , social and governance commitments , as well as our sustainability goals .
IM : You have already stated a goal of 1.5 Mt / y of zinc production in the upcoming years and extending your lead as India ’ s largest integrated zinc-lead producer ; what is your vision for the company to 2030 and beyond ? AM : We are excited about our next phase of expansion to take mining capacity from 1.2 Mt per annum to 1.35 Mt / a . We will surely cross 1 Mt and we should be above our guidance if we achieve the desired run rates in our third and fourth quarters .
While our growth plans are a key part of the company ’ s future , we are also focused on becoming the leading zinc-lead-silver producer from an environmental , social and governance point of view . Our DJSI Ranking of being among the Top 5 companies in the metal and mining sector is testament to this . We are already winning significant awards for our ESG and CSR efforts , and expect this recognition to continue and grow as we head towards mapping out our 2025 sustainability goals .
Also , the mining value chain is changing across the globe and more consumers are becoming aware of the origins of the products they buy and the emissions that come with their production . IM
To collaborate with Hindustan Zinc on its green growth mission , email mining . services @ vedanta . co . in
“ We are continuously expanding our renewable power of 274 MW of wind and 40 MW of solar under our greenhouse gas reduction goals by converting 50 % of our total power to renewable forms in the next five years ,” Arun Misra says
48 International Mining | FEBRUARY 2022