Udaipur, March 05, 2026 (Daily Kiran): Hindustan Zinc Limited has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Virginia Tech to advance research aimed at improving silver recovery across its lead–zinc (Pb–Zn) concentrators.
The collaboration will focus on scientific studies to refine flotation techniques and optimize the use of reagents, which are specialized chemicals used during mineral processing to separate and concentrate metals. These efforts are expected to support improved concentrate quality and more efficient plant operations.
Virginia Tech, a globally recognized public land-grant research university based in Blacksburg, Virginia, is known for its expertise in mining engineering, mineral processing, and applied metallurgical research. Through this partnership, Hindustan Zinc will work closely with the university to leverage global research insights and technical expertise to strengthen its concentrator operations.
The research initiative aims to build deeper scientific understanding to enhance silver recovery across Hindustan Zinc’s Pb–Zn concentrators. The study will examine key metallurgical factors influencing flotation selectivity and metal recovery, with particular focus on reagent–mineral–water interactions that play a crucial role in process stability and concentrate quality.
Commenting on the collaboration, Arun Misra, said that the next phase of growth in the metals and mining sector will be driven by science, innovation, and collaboration. He said the partnership with Virginia Tech is an important step toward strengthening the company’s knowledge ecosystem and preparing operations for the future through engagement with leading global institutions.
Aaron Noble said the partnership reflects meaningful collaboration between academia and industry. He noted that working directly with industry allows the university to apply advanced research on mineral recovery to real operational challenges, helping translate discoveries into improved resource use and stronger supply chains.
The project will also focus on defining optimized operating approaches and reagent strategies to support better process stability, improved concentrate quality, and more consistent operational outcomes. The findings will contribute to both short-term and long-term strategies through diagnostics, laboratory evaluations, and technical assessments designed for practical implementation.
A key aspect of the partnership will include knowledge transfer and technical capacity building for Hindustan Zinc teams through workshops, training sessions, and technical exchanges focused on plant optimization, reagent strategy, and process improvement.
The collaboration aligns with Hindustan Zinc’s strategy to strengthen its technology and innovation capabilities through global partnerships. The company has previously worked with leading academic and research institutions such as Indian Institutes of Technology, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, and Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research on initiatives related to mineral processing, critical metals research, zinc-based battery technologies, and process optimization.
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