Udaipur, July 16: Hindustan Zinc Limited, the world’s largest integrated zinc producer and a leading global silver producer, has recycled approximately 23 billion liters of water during the fiscal year 2025-26. This achievement has increased the company’s annual recycling rate to 49%, while also reducing total water usage.
The company has maintained a water-positive status of 3.32 times, reflecting its efforts to enhance water use efficiency and reduce dependence on fresh water.
This improvement is attributed to the company’s long-term strategy, which incorporates advanced water recovery technology, a zero liquid discharge system that includes effluent treatment and water treatment plants, and increased utilization of treated water. These measures have led to reduced consumption of fresh water and ensured better resource utilization.
Commenting on this achievement, Hindustan Zinc’s CEO Arun Mishra stated that the future of mining will be determined not just by production, but by the responsible use of natural resources. As India’s industrial and infrastructure development progresses, the responsibility for environmental conservation also increases. At Hindustan Zinc, we prioritize water management in all our current and future projects to separate development from dependence on fresh water. Our aim is to ensure excellence in operations while conserving water resources for communities, the environment, and future generations.
Hindustan Zinc is promoting water recycling through modern technologies such as zero liquid discharge systems, effluent treatment plants, reverse osmosis units, multi-effect evaporators, and mechanical vapor recompression at its various plants. The company has also expanded its filtered tailings technology, recovering over 80% of water from tailings. The launch of a second filtered tailings plant in Rajpura-Dariba, Rajasthan, during FY 2025-26 has further strengthened recycling capacity.
Additionally, the company’s 60 MLD sewage treatment plant, developed in partnership with the Rajasthan government under a public-private partnership, is converting the city’s wastewater into industrial-grade water. This initiative not only meets the company’s water needs but also strengthens urban wastewater management.
Apart from its operational areas, Hindustan Zinc is actively working to enhance water security in surrounding communities. Over the past five years, the company has implemented more than 280 water conservation projects in water-scarce regions, including rainwater harvesting, pond rejuvenation, check dam construction, and groundwater recharge initiatives. These efforts have created a water storage capacity of 6.23 crore cubic meters for communities, promoting long-term water security and availability.
These initiatives by Hindustan Zinc align with its ESG goals and support the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 6, which focuses on clean water and sanitation. In line with Vedanta Group’s vision for sustainable and community-centric development, the company is ensuring positive outcomes for both the environment and society.
Hindustan Zinc’s commitment to responsible and sustainable mining was further strengthened in 2025 when it became the first metal and mining company in India to join the International Council on Mining and Metals. This achievement reflects the company’s dedication to global standards of responsible and sustainable mining.