Udaipur, May 18: Union Minister G. Kishan Reddy visited Hindustan Zinc Limited’s Rajpura Dariba Complex in Rajasthan. As the world’s largest integrated zinc producer and a leading silver producer, Hindustan Zinc showcased its Sindesar Khurd mine and Dariba smelting operations, highlighting modern technology, worker facilities, and community development initiatives.
This visit reiterated the company’s role in advancing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of an Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India). Hindustan Zinc is contributing significantly to the country’s mineral potential, producing over 1.1 million tonnes of metal annually, strengthening the domestic value chain, and making India self-reliant in essential metals for infrastructure, clean energy, and future industries.
During the visit, the Minister toured the Sindesar Khurd mine, one of the largest and most modern underground silver mines globally, and the Dariba smelting complex. He observed the control room, cell house, and cathode yard, and viewed a product gallery. A special video presentation in the mine’s conference hall provided insights into the mine’s history, capacity, safety protocols, paste filling, and tele-remote operations. He also appreciated a live demonstration by the country’s first female mine rescue team.
Present during the visit were Hindustan Zinc’s CEO Arun Mishra, Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Coal and Mines Vivek Bajpai, and other senior officials.
Minister Reddy remarked, “Hindustan Zinc’s operations demonstrate India’s progress towards creating a modern, responsible, and self-reliant mining sector. The company’s focus on modern technology, excellent operations, safety, and social development aligns with Prime Minister Modi’s vision for a developed India by 2047. As India strengthens its mineral value chain, technology-driven efforts will play a crucial role in responsible mining and enhancing domestic capacity.”
Sharing a meal with workers, Minister Reddy dined with 54 ‘Zinc Ratna’ workers at the Sindesar Khurd mine’s canteen. He interacted with female mining engineers and other staff, praising Hindustan Zinc’s operational excellence and their contributions to the mining sector’s progress in India.
The Minister also visited Hindustan Zinc’s CSR stall, reviewing the company’s community initiatives, including empowering women through the Sakhi program, providing quality education for children through Shiksha Sanbal and Udaan, mobile health services, cancer screening, and ensuring clean drinking water through RO water ATMs. He engaged with beneficiaries of the Udaan program, who are now successfully employed in major companies like Coal India, showcasing the long-term impact of Hindustan Zinc’s educational initiatives.
During discussions with female employees at the Dariba mines, the Minister emphasized the empowering role of women in the mining sector and how they can advance alongside technology in the country’s progress.
Hindustan Zinc is not only leading in mining and smelting but also contributing significantly to economic and social development by creating job opportunities, promoting environmental protection, reducing carbon emissions, and collaborating with local communities. This visit marks a significant step towards mineral security and self-reliance for India. The company’s comprehensive network from mining to metal production has strengthened the local economy and provided opportunities for nearby residents.
This visit reinforced Hindustan Zinc’s vision of integrating work excellence with technology, environmental safety, and societal development. As India moves towards a future of essential minerals, domestic manufacturing, and robust supply chains, Hindustan Zinc is focused on responsible mining, producing high-quality metals, aiding Rajasthan’s development, and contributing to the journey towards a developed India.