March 25, 2025 | Sustainability News | Rajasthan: In a groundbreaking step towards sustainable mining and responsible water management, Hindustan Zinc Limited (HZL) has inaugurated a 40 lakh litres per day (4 MLD) Water Treatment Plant at its Underground mine of rampura aguchamarking a first-of-its-kind initiative in India’s mining sector. The facility was launched by Hindustan Zinc CEO Arun Misrareinforcing the company’s commitment to operational excellence and environmental stewardship.

A Global First for Underground Mines

The water treatment plant, which is the world’s first of its kind designed specifically for underground mining operationsaims to:

• Enhance process efficiency

• Reduce tailing dam water storage

• Improve structural stability

• Optimize froth flotation for higher metal recovery

With this plant, the Rampura Agucha mine’s water positivity index has increased from 3.2x to 5.5xand freshwater usage has dropped by 40%resulting in an annual water savings of over 12.5 billion litres.

Speaking at the inauguration, CEO Arun Misra said,

He further added that the treated water quality is comparable or superior to potable water standards, crediting the success to the project and our teams and Rampra Agura Aguchas.

Driving Sustainability in Mining

The new plant is a cornerstone in HZL’s broader strategy to reduce freshwater dependency and improve tailing dam stabilitysetting new standards in green mining practices.

Beyond operational gains, Hindustan Zinc is actively contributing to community water access and groundwater recharge. Some notable initiatives include:

• Desilting and restoration of village ponds in Agucha Panchayat, positively impacting 25,000+ residents and enhancing local biodiversity.

• A large-scale artificial groundwater recharge program in four blocks of Bhilwara district. Through:

Hindustan Zinc’s Water Management Achievements

• Recycled 180 billion litres of water in FY 2023-24 – equivalent to the annual water use of 1 lakh households in Rajasthan.

• Recognised as a 2.41x Water Positive company

• Maintains a Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD) statustreating and reusing all process and waste water.

Operating in one of India’s most water-stressed statesHindustan Zinc continues to lead by example in sustainable water management, contributing significantly to India’s environmental and ESG goals.