EFFICIENT TAILINGS STORAGE FACILITY MANAGEMENT
Goals 2025
Complete transition from wet tailing to dry tailing disposal by 2025
Performance
- Commissioned dry tailing plant at Rajpura Dariba and Zawar. The implementation of the same is ongoing at Rampura Agucha
Hindustan Zinc is dedicated to responsible tailings management to minimise its environmental, social, and economic impacts. We are continuously improving the management of our tailings storage facilities to support more sustainable operations.
STRATEGIC FOCUS AREAS
Adopting advanced global practices in tailings dam management for optimal efficiency
Collaborating with global experts for continuous monitoring, consultancy, and design of tailings storage facilities (TSFs)
Adhering to the tailings management standards for our three active storage facilities
Repurposing tailings and waste rock as backfill, while safely storing remaining tailings
KEY HIGHLIGHTS
- Commissioned dry tailing plants (DTPs) at Zawar and Dariba, with Rampura Agucha DTP project underway, enabling us to fully transition from wet tailing to dry tailing, reducing tailing waste, and improving environmental safety
- Developed a comprehensive tailings management plan to ensure safe and efficient storage. Every measure is taken to implement this plan, safeguarding the integrity of TSFs
- Established a dedicated Tailings Management Community of Practice (CoP) to reinforce responsible governance and leadership oversight. This cross-functional team ensures strict adherence to our Tailings Management Policy and the Global Industry Standard on Tailings Management (GISTM) standards, while driving continuous improvement in safety and operational excellence
ADHERING TO GLOBAL BEST PRACTICES FOR TSF
Our tailings storage facility (TSF) design, construction, operation, and closure practices are aligned with the highest global standards, including:
ADVANCED GEOTECHNICAL MONITORING FOR TAILINGS DAMS
To ensure the safety and stability of our tailings dams, we employ cutting-edge geotechnical monitoring tools and techniques, including:
- Pillar-prism total station data for measuring slope displacement
- Piezometers to track pore water pressure
- Inclinometers for monitoring sub-surface deformation
- Strategically placed cameras to enhance security and structural integrity
We also implement rigorous internal assurance processes to ensure our TSFs meet the GISTM standards. Additionally, all TSFs have emergency response plans in place, which are regularly tested through collaborative training exercises with relevant stakeholders.
LEADING THE WAY IN TAILINGS SAFETY AND TRANSPARENCY
Hindustan Zinc is dedicated to enhancing the safety and transparency of its tailings facilities through a range of initiatives, including the adoption of international standards such as GISTM. In line with its business objectives, a third-party audit was conducted to assess any gaps in compliance with GISTM requirements. This audit is part of the Group’s ongoing commitment to fully implement all GISTM principles by August 2025.
OUR COMPREHENSIVE TSF GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT FRAMEWORK
Hindustan Zinc has established a robust tailings storage facility (TSF) governance and management framework, fully aligned with GISTM principles. Our multi-tiered structure includes oversight by the Board and CEO, supported by an Independent Technical Review Board (ITRB) and a Sustainable Review Committee (SRC). The accountable executive (IBU CEO) ensures strict compliance with our tailings management policy, internal standards, and GISTM requirements.
Our ultimate goal is zero harm to people and the environment through effective management of TSFs across all phases of their lifecycle – design, operation, closure, and post-closure – in accordance with GISTM and global best practices. This framework focuses on mitigating both short and long-term risks to minimise the potential for catastrophic failures.
