Operational Performance – Mines
TOUCHING NEW GOALPOSTS IN MINING EXCELLENCE
We are a global benchmark in mining operations, and continue to scale new milestones in performance, with ongoing focus on sustainability, innovation, and the deployment of advanced technologies. By integrating these aspects across the mining lifecycle, we consistently deliver robust operational, safety and environmental outcomes. In FY2025, this balanced approach contributed to record-breaking production and greater value creation for our stakeholders.
We operate eight underground mines at five locations in Rajasthan, India, all of which are certified ISO 9001, ISO 14001, OHSAS 18001 & SA-8000. These mines are hosted by the Proterozoic-age sediment-dominated sequences, and their ore has undergone several deformation and metamorphic events. The orebody host rocks at these mines range from strong dolomites to foliated metasediments at near-surface depths to 1,000 metres below the surface.
Our portfolio also includes the Bamnia Kalan Mine, located in the vicinity of Sindesar Khurd Mine, whose mine plan was approved by the Indian Bureau of Mines (IBM) , Ministry of Mines, Government of India and consent to operate was granted by Rajasthan State Pollution Control Board. As the site work started, the peripheral boundary wall work was completed, and the excavation work of the portals is currently in progress.
8 UNDERGROUND MINES ACROSS 5 LOCATIONS WITH TOTAL ORE PRODUCTION OF 16.33 Mnt
| Mines | Ore Mined | Zinc Mined Metal | Lead Mined Metal | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FY2024 ('000 tonnes) |
FY2025 ('000 tonnes) |
FY2024 | FY2025 | FY2024 | FY2025 | |||||
| ('000 tonnes) | Grade (%) | ('000 tonnes) | Grade (%) | ('000 tonnes) | Grade (%) | ('000 tonnes) | Grade (%) | |||
| Rampura Agucha Mine (RAM) | 4,931 | 4,790 | 514 | 11.47 | 515 | 11.74 | 52 | 1.64 | 52 | 1.69 |
| Sindesar Khurd Mine (SKM) | 5,650 | 5,476 | 146 | 2.83 | 134 | 2.73 | 96 | 1.90 | 88 | 1.83 |
| Rajpura Dariba Mine (RDM) | 1,344 | 1,168 | 46 | 4.13 | 49 | 4.41 | 9 | 1.04 | 10 | 1.13 |
| Zawar Mine* | 4,032 | 4,203 | 115 | 3.11 | 132 | 3.36 | 64 | 1.75 | 78 | 2.01 |
| Kayad Mine (KM) | 564 | 694 | 33 | 6.13 | 32 | 5.07 | 4 | 0.82 | 4 | 0.74 |
| Total | 16,521 | 16,331 | 855 | 5.69 | 863 | 5.76 | 224 | 1.68 | 232 | 1.74 |
*Includes four mines, namely Mochia, Balaria, Baroi and Zawarmala
OPERATIONAL EXCELLENCE WITH ADVANCED METHODS
Mining method
Long Hole Open Stoping (LHOS) at all mines for improved ore recovery and efficiency
Backfill strategy
Using tailings in most mines to backfill stope voids as paste and hydraulic fill, with cement added for strength and stability
It fills voids and supports surrounding walls post ore extraction, and enables safe access to deeper stopes during extractions
Stoping sequence
Bottom-up extraction sequence, with the lower levels mined first and the backfill forming the working platform for the next level of extraction
Top-down extraction sequence followed at RAM, SKM and RDM, which have emerged as world leaders in applying this novel approach; this ensures cost-effectiveness and good ore yields
Key innovative measures
SKM and RAM are pioneering the automation and digitalisation of mining processes in India:
- Using tele-remote operations of drill machines and raise bore machines for improved safety and productivity
- At SKM, we have established a life-of-mine ventilation infrastructure with a 1,950 cum/sec airflow and an air conditioning system for fresh air intake, enhancing working conditions, safety and productivity
PIONEERING IN GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEERING
We have stationed Geotechnical Engineering teams at every site. These teams define mining parameters, such as infrastructure location, excavation size and stoping sequence, and monitor the response of the rock mass to mining.
Seismic monitoring is crucial as mining depth increases, and most of our mines are equipped with these systems. Additionally, live monitoring of ground control instrumentation ensures the stability and safety of our operations. The excavation of stopes is meticulously planned and executed to maximise efficiency and safety.
Some of the key geotechnical initiatives that drive our growth are:
- Implementation of double lift stopes at SKM, resulting in an improved mining sequence and better ground stress management
- Successful recovery of the M5 crown pillar at RDM
- Use of offset drives at Mochia Mine as an efficient method to drill and blast the remnant crown pillars, improving recoveries, production rates, and safety of mine personnel
- Successful extraction of double lift stopes at RAM in the footwall panels by optimising the strength of paste fill, drill and blast, and increasing the ground support for stability of the extracted void and ore recovery