World Nature Conservation Day Special: Hindustan Zinc Restores 13 Hectares of Land in Collaboration with TERI

Udaipur, 28 July 2025 — Hindustan Zinc Limited, India’s only and the world’s largest integrated zinc producer, has achieved a significant milestone in its sustainability journey. On the occasion of World Nature Conservation Day, the company announced the successful completion of the second phase of its ecological restoration project in collaboration with The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI), transforming an additional 7 hectares of land at the Chanderiya Lead-Zinc Smelter in Chittorgarh, Rajasthan.

In August 2024, Hindustan Zinc began the second phase of restoring the zero-fix yard area, following the successful conversion of 6 hectares in the first phase. According to the S&P Global CSA 2024 rankings, Hindustan Zinc has been recognised as the world’s most sustainable metal and mining company.

Restoring Barren Land into Green Ecosystems

Using advanced mycorrhiza technology—which strengthens the symbiotic relationship between plant roots and fungi—Hindustan Zinc has converted a total of 13 hectares of barren industrial land into dense green zones. In the first phase, 11,000 native plants were planted, and in the second phase, an additional 15,000 indigenous saplings were added to create a high-density, self-sustaining ecosystem.

The restoration strategy also included hydroseeding across multiple operational sites in Rajasthan, using a rich blend of native tree and shrub seeds such as sheesham, Dalbergia latifolia, babool, khair, and karanj. Grasses like perennial rye and Bermuda, and medicinal herbs like kalmegh and ashwagandha, were also used to enhance biodiversity and strengthen ground cover.

CEO Highlights Commitment to Regenerative Mining

Arun Misra, CEO of Hindustan Zinc, stated, “At Hindustan Zinc, we believe industrial leadership must walk hand in hand with environmental responsibility. Transforming legacy industrial land into vibrant ecosystems reflects our commitment to regenerative mining. Through science-backed restoration, native afforestation, and strategic biodiversity planning, we are strengthening ecological resilience around our operations while meaningfully contributing to India’s environmental goals and the UN Sustainable Development Goals.”

Miyawaki Forests for Accelerated Regeneration

To further accelerate ecological recovery, the company has adopted the Miyawaki afforestation method, known for promoting plant growth 10 times faster and 30 times denser than traditional methods. This approach involves planting dozens of native species together to form a self-sustaining forest in just three years, significantly enhancing carbon absorption and local biodiversity.

Through this method, Hindustan Zinc has converted 2.4 hectares at its Debari, Dariba, and Chanderiya units, planting over 32,500 saplings across 65+ native species. A recent addition includes a 1,000-square-meter Miyawaki forest at the Kayad mine in Rajasthan.

Strategic Biodiversity Plans and Public-Private Partnerships

In parallel, Hindustan Zinc continues to integrate nature-positive strategies into its core business operations. As part of a three-year partnership with the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the company has developed site-specific biodiversity management plans for all its operational units. These plans guide biodiversity conservation, ecosystem restoration, and mine closure strategies aligned with global best practices.

The company has also signed an MoU with the Udaipur Forest Department to rejuvenate the Bagdara Crocodile Conservation Reserve. With an investment of ₹5 crore, this public-private initiative aims to transform nearly 400 hectares of reserve into a thriving habitat for crocodiles.

India’s First TNFD Reporter in Mining Sector

These initiatives align with Hindustan Zinc’s comprehensive ESG agenda, which focuses on land restoration, water management, responsible mining, and biodiversity protection. Hindustan Zinc has emerged as a leader in nature risk disclosure and is the first Indian company in the metals and mining sector to publish a Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD) report.

Earlier this year, the company launched a large-scale plantation campaign, pledging to plant over 1.5 lakh saplings across its units in 2025, further reinforcing its commitment to environmental management. Hindustan Zinc is also the first Indian metal and mining company to achieve validated science-based targets aligned with the ambitious 1.5°C global warming limit. Its product portfolio is also verified with Environmental Product Declarations, offering transparent data on environmental footprint.