Hindustan Zinc launches low-carbon Zinc and starts exploring Zinc applications in batteries

At the 58th Annual General Meeting of Hindustan Zinc Limited (BSE and NSE: HINDZINC), Chairperson Priya Agarwal Hebbar outlined the company’s strategy to explore zinc applications in batteries as part of its support for global energy transition and clean technology advancements. The company will also focus on volume enhancement, cost reduction, and stakeholder value creation.

Hindustan Zinc, the world’s second-largest integrated zinc producer and third-largest silver producer, was incorporated in 1966 and was disinvested in 2002 with a controlling stake sold to Vedanta Group (erstwhile Sterlite Industries). Since then, it has been a prominent player in zinc and silver production. The company is exploring new applications for its extensive zinc-lead-silver product portfolio to support the global energy transition.

Speaking at the company’s annual shareholders meeting, Priya Agarwal Hebbar, Chairperson Hindustan Zinc, said, “Hindustan Zinc, one of India’s most valuable companies in the metals & minerals sector, already produces zinc and silver, two critical metals which will see ever increasing demand given their use in new, emerging technologies in addition to the traditional demand. With the world undergoing an energy transition, developing climate-friendly technologies will be highly mineral intensive, and the metals & mining sector will have a big role to play to support this transition. At Hindustan Zinc, we are committed to being future-ready and augmenting the supply of critical minerals, for India and for the world.”

Arun Misra, CEO Hindustan Zinc, said “Our climate action initiatives are focussed on aiding the global energy transition through sustainable sources of energy. Batteries have the potential to accelerate this transition through energy storage. While Lithium batteries are currently in focus, lack of domestic availability of lithium and safety of lithium batteries are key challenges for the global energy transition. Zinc presents a safe, stable and credible opportunity to replace lithium in batteries. We have taken the first step with our proposed partnership with US based Aesir Tech, specializing in next-gen zinc battery tech. In addition, we are also exploring research avenues in battery technology with premier academic institutions in India.  Hindustan Zinc with its vast domestic zinc reserves, is well poised to accelerate India’s mission to a cleaner tomorrow and our Zinc battery initiative will also help in saving exchequer’s funds due to zinc’s abundance in the country.”

Hindustan Zinc holds the highest market capitalization among mining and metals companies in India, currently about INR 2.6 lakh crores. This represents significant growth from INR 600 crores two decades ago. The company’s total shareholder return in the past 15 months has significantly outperformed NIFTY 50 and NIFTY METAL returns. It is recognized as the world’s most sustainable metals & mining company according to S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment.

Earlier this week, Chairperson Priya Agarwal Hebbar introduced EcoZen Asia’s first low carbon ‘green’ zinc product, a new offering from Hindustan Zinc. This product has a carbon footprint of less than 1 tonne of carbon equivalent per tonne of zinc produced. EcoZen, produced using renewable energy, has a global warming potential (GWP) value approximately 75% lower than the global average. This product is expected to avoid a total of about 400 kilograms of carbon emissions in the galvanizing process for one tonne of steel. The introduction of EcoZen reflects Hindustan Zinc’s efforts to reduce carbon emissions in its operations and offer customers more sustainable options.

For FY25, Hindustan Zinc projects mined and refined metal production to reach 1,100-1,125 kt and 1,075-1,100 kt, respectively. The company expects saleable silver production to be between 750-775 MT, with the cost of zinc production estimated to be between USD 1,050-1,100 per MT.

Hindustan Zinc is advancing its growth strategy with the ramp-up of major projects initiated last year and improved capacity utilization. Key expansion projects include a 160,000 tonnes per annum roaster and a 510,000 tonnes per annum fertilizer plant, both of which are progressing as planned. Additionally, the company has received regulatory approvals for the Bamnia Kalan mine, which is expected to become operational in the near future.