UDAIPUR (India CSR): Hindustan Zinc Limited, India’s only and the world’s largest integrated zinc producer, has achieved a key sustainability milestone by recycling 71 billion litres (71 million cubic meters) of treated sewage water between FY 2016 – 25, reducing freshwater use by 28%.This volume of water would be sufficient to meet Udaipur city’s requirements for over 500 days. Operating in water-stressed Rajasthan, the company has proven that industry can grow while conserving resources. As a 3.32x water-positive company, Hindustan Zinc treats and reuses all process water in its operations, minimizing freshwater dependence and safeguarding local ecosystems – advancing its commitment to UN SDG 6 on Clean Water and Sanitation.
In collaboration with the Government of Rajasthan, Hindustan Zinc pioneered Udaipur’s first Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) in 2014 under the PPP model. Over the past decade, the STP’s capacity expanded to 60 million liters per day (60 MLD). This state-of-the-art facility, a first-of-its-kind initiative in Rajasthan, plays a crucial role in protecting Udaipur’s famed “City of Lakes” by preventing untreated sewage inflow and pollution. Instead, the wastewater is processed to high standards through biological and filtration processes, and the cleaned water is delivered via a dedicated pipeline network to Hindustan Zinc’s nearby operations.
Speaking on this milestone, Arun Misra, CEO – Hindustan Zinc Limited, said:
“Water is a shared legacy and at Hindustan Zinc, we’ve embraced water stewardship that turns challenges into opportunities. As a 3.32× water-positive company with zero effluent discharge across sites, we’re implementing cutting-edge technology to safeguard freshwater for communities while setting new benchmarks in sustainable manufacturing. We remain committed to reducing freshwater consumption by 50% by 2030 and achieving 100% reuse of low-quality water in smelting.”
Hindustan Zinc has implemented a suite of water sustainability initiatives across its operations. The company has commissioned state of the art effluent treatment facilities at all its sites, ensuring that no effluent is released into the environment. Earlier this year, Hindustan Zinc inaugurated a new 4,000 KLD (kilolitres per day) water treatment plant at Rampura Agucha mine – the world’s largest underground zinc mining operations – further enhancing its on-site water recycling capacity. The company has commissioned a dry tailing and paste-fill plant at Rajpura Dariba Complex, significantly enhancing our water saving capacity, propelling Hindustan Zinc’s vision of responsible water management.
Beyond its operations, Hindustan Zinc has undertaken large-scale community water initiatives, creating a lasting ripple effect on both environment and society. Through its innovative ‘Jal Sakhi’ program, the company has empowered rural women by employing them across 13 community RO hubs where they now represent 92% of the workforce. Hindustan Zinc has supplied over 6.11 crore m³ of safe drinking water to 36 villages through tankers and pipelines, benefiting more than 2.19 lakh people in last 5 years. Simultaneously, the company implemented numerous water conservation and augmentation projects, increasing local water storage capacity by over 1 lakh m³, thereby enhancing groundwater recharge and ensuring year-round access to clean water in water-scarce regions.
The company recently became the first Indian company to join the International Council on Mining & Metals (ICMM). Additionally, for the second consecutive year, Hindustan Zinc has been ranked as the world’s most sustainable metals and mining company by the S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment 2024. These accolades reinforce the company’s role as a benchmark setter in the industry, proving that resource-intensive industries can innovate to reduce environmental footprint without compromising growth. By investing in cutting-edge water recycling technologies, forging community partnerships and aligning its strategies with international sustainability frameworks, Hindustan Zinc is inspiring a paradigm shift towards water-resilient industrial operations in India and beyond.
(India CSR)
इसे हिंदी में पढ़ें: हिंदुस्तान जिंक ने पिछले 10 वर्षो में 71 अरब लीटर पानी रीसाइकल कर शुद्ध जल निर्भरता 28% घटाई
