Hindustan Zinc leads the way for reducing Carbon Emission in underground mining

New Delhi 9 February 2021: Hindustan Zinc, a Vedanta Group Company and an integrated producer of Zinc-Lead and Silver has set a new benchmark with introduction of Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) in underground mining.

Taking a step closer to achieving carbon neutrality, the company signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Epiroc for ‘Zero Emission and Sustainable Mining by introduction of Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) in underground mining’. This will help HZL to explore the possibility of introducing battery operated vehicles in underground mines which will help reduce carbon emissions, enabling the mine operations to become more environment friendly. With this initiative, Hindustan Zinc will become the first mining company in India to introduce electric vehicles in UG mines.

Commenting on the MoU, Arun Misra, CEO, Hindustan Zinc said, "At Hindustan Zinc, we are committed to Smart, Safe and Sustainable operations and we believe that as a leader it is incumbent on us to be catalysts for transformation towards adopting sustainability driven business solutions. This partnership with Epiroc fortifies our commitment to green and responsible mining and takes us furthers in the right direction to achieve carbon neutrality, in line with our emission reduction Sustainability Development Goal for 2025."

Jerry Andersson, Managing Director, Epiroc India added, "A safer and cleaner mining starts only if someone takes the first step. Epiroc has always been a leader in mining technologies. We showcase the BEV in underground mining with the broadest offerings and a mission to deliver the world’s greenest machines. Our memorandum with Hindustan Zinc is a step on our mutual journey for a safer and more sustainable mining operation to come."

As a COP26 business leader, Hindustan Zinc has been consistently working towards achieving science-based targets (SBT) to curb carbon footprint. It is part of the prestigious CDP "A List" for all its initiatives towards tackling climate change and is also ranked 1st in Asia Pacific & 7th Globally by The Dow Jones Sustainability Index 2020.

Hindustan Zinc is headquartered in Udaipur, Rajasthan where it also has its mines and smelting complexes. It is self-sufficient in power with installed captive thermal power plants and green energy plants including wind and solar power.