EMPOWERING CLIMATE ACTION AND ENERGY TRANSITION

At Hindustan Zinc, we’re not just keeping pace with the transition towards a low-carbon future; we’re helping shape it. As part of our commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 or sooner, we’re doubling down on our commitment to sustainability, scaling our innovation to build a future that’s both energy-efficient and eco-friendly.

The net-zero journey focuses on four key pillars

Leadership in Climate Action and Sustainability

EMBRACING CLEAN ENERGY FOR A SUSTAINABLE TOMORROW

Fuelled by our ambitious climate action and net zero commitments, we’ve been driving a transformative shift towards renewable energy over the past few years and are determined to advance even further.

Expanding Our Renewable Energy (RE) Capacities

Significant progress has been made in executing our power delivery agreement with Serentica, with 6% of our overall power requirement for FY2025 being sourced from Serentica. To further accelerate our progress, we’ve also upgraded our power delivery agreement with Serentica, increasing our round-the-clock renewable energy (RE-RTC) capacity from 450 MW to 530 MW, increasing our renewable power share to 70% by FY2028, contributing to a reduction of 3.5 million tCO₂e.

Greenpower and Biomass Utilisation

A standout achievement in this journey is the sourcing of 100% green power for our Pantnagar Metal Plant, helping us cut emissions by 28,806 tCO₂e in FY2025. Utilisation of biomass as an alternative fuel to coal also reduced our carbon footprint by an additional c.19,200 tCO₂e during the year.

Zinc-based Sustainable Energy Storage Solutions

Advancing the global energy transition through zinc-based batteries as a sustainable alternative to other energy storage solutions, Hindustan Zinc also entered into a partnership with US-based AEsir Technologies, Inc., as the preferred supplier of zinc for their cutting-edge next-generation zinc batteries.

EcoZen - Asia’s first low carbon ‘green’ zinc

In this fiscal year, Hindustan Zinc launched EcoZen, Asia’s first low carbon ‘green’ zinc brand, setting a new benchmark for sustainability in the industry. Produced using 100% renewable energy, with an impressive carbon footprint of under one tonne of carbon equivalent per tonne of zinc, which is 75% lower than the global average, it’s a leap forward in reducing the environmental impact of zinc production.

SCALING-UP GREEN TRANSPORTATION

To reduce reliance on petroleum products and cut emissions, we strategically expanded our fleet of battery-operated electric vehicles (BEVs) in our underground operations, accelerating our progress towards net-zero targets. Having set a stellar landmark of becoming the first Indian company to deploy underground battery electric vehicle (UG BEV) at Sindesar Khurd Mine, we currently have 3 UG BEVs. We deployed EVs across various operations, including passenger EVs, EV forklifts, and light motor vehicles, to lower our Scope 3 emissions and make meaningful strides towards meeting SBTi targets.

Beyond zero emissions, EVs offer several advantages over diesel vehicles, including lower maintenance costs, quicker deployment, reduced ventilation needs, and the elimination of diesel and lubricant storage. Moreover, EVs improve underground air quality, enhancing the health and safety of our workers.

ALIGNING OUR SUPPLY CHAIN WITH NET ZERO

At Hindustan Zinc, we understand that achieving our sustainability goals requires a unified effort across our entire value chain. To reduce Scope 3 emissions, we have actively engaged with our critical upstream and downstream value chain partners, creating awareness and fostering collaboration on key ESG issues. In FY2025, we conducted a series of training sessions called “Wednesdays for Transition”, focused on essential topics such as climate change, ESG strategy, materiality assessment, net-zero targets, water stewardship, waste management, biodiversity, no net loss, and human rights.

By aligning our suppliers with these goals, we are not only driving greater environmental responsibility but also creating a legacy of sustainable practices that extends beyond our operations and permeates the broader value chain for a lasting change.

MAXIMISING ENERGY EFFICIENCY FOR A GREENER FUTURE

At Hindustan Zinc, we are committed to optimising energy usage across all our operations through continuous upgrades to our processes, equipment, and technologies, as energy efficiency is central to our strategy for reducing carbon emissions and achieving our net-zero goals.

Significant improvements have been made at several key sites:

• Cellhouse rating at Zinc Smelter Debari improved from 6.52 to 7.16, signalling a notable boost in operational efficiency
• Upgraded zinc final tailing pump in stream 4 and eliminated dual pump operations in the 4th cleaner circuit at Rampura Agucha Mine, reducing energy consumption
• Optimised power consumption in the grinding area through consistent mill operation at rated throughput at Rajpura Dariba Mine

Our focus on energy efficiency not only reduces operational costs but also reinforces our commitment to sustainability. These efforts play a vital role in building a greener, more resilient future for all.