Hindustan Zinc advances sustainability goals, aims for Net Zero by 2050

Hindustan Zinc, a global frontrunner in integrated zinc-lead-silver production, has made significant strides in environmental sustainability, achieving a 14% reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emission intensity from the base year 2020. This progress is part of the company’s broader commitment to decarbonization and its target to reach Net Zero emissions by 2050, as outlined in the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi).

Leading the Way in Sustainable Metal Production

Recognized by S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment 2023 as the world’s most sustainable company in the metals and mining sector, Hindustan Zinc has consistently increased production each year while simultaneously reducing its carbon footprint. This achievement aligns with the sustainability framework of its parent company, Vedanta, focusing on both mitigating and offsetting carbon emissions.

Explore how Hindustan Zinc is leading the charge in sustainability, reducing emissions, and targeting Net Zero by 2050 while advancing global environmental standards.

Innovative Strategies to Reduce Carbon Footprint

To mitigate its environmental impact, Hindustan Zinc has incorporated a significant amount of renewable energy into its operations. Notably, its Pantnagar Metal Plant is powered entirely by green energy. Additionally, the company has signed a 450-MW renewable power delivery agreement poised to reduce approximately 2.7 million tons of CO2 emissions annually. It has also introduced battery electric vehicles (BEVs) in its underground mines and is deploying 180 LNG vehicles and electric trucks for logistics, targeting a 25% reduction in Scope-3 emissions by 2030.

In terms of offsetting efforts, Hindustan Zinc has undertaken extensive afforestation drives, creating substantial carbon sinks and pledging to plant 1 million saplings by 2025. These initiatives are part of a larger commitment under Vedanta’s pledge to the World Economic Forum’s 1 Trillion trees movement.

A Commitment to Comprehensive Sustainability

Arun Misra, CEO of Hindustan Zinc, emphasizes that sustainability is integral to the company’s core operations. “Sustainable practices and good business sense are two sides of the same coin. At Hindustan Zinc, sustainability is a core tenet that underpins all our business decisions, and we recognize the urgency of addressing climate change and its far-reaching impacts,” Misra stated. He highlighted the company’s initiatives like achieving 2.41 times water positivity, with a goal to reach five times water positivity by 2025.

World Environment Day Initiatives

Commemorating World Environment Day, Hindustan Zinc launched a mass plantation drive, pledging to plant over 100,000 saplings across its business units. The company also hosted a week-long series of activities aimed at fostering environmental awareness among its stakeholders, including environment quizzes, sapling distribution, and eco-friendly competitions.

Hindustan Zinc’s efforts have not gone unrecognized, as evidenced by its Leadership Band (A-) designation by the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) for its exceptional achievements in water security and climate action.

Hindustan Zinc’s integrated approach to sustainability demonstrates how industrial leaders can effectively balance environmental stewardship with business objectives. The company’s proactive measures in renewable energy adoption, emission reduction, and community engagement set a benchmark for the mining and metals industry worldwide.