UDAIPUR (India CSR): Hindustan Zinc Limited, the world’s largest integrated zinc producer and among the top global silver producers, marked International Day for Biological Diversity by highlighting its biodiversity and animal care interventions that have positively impacted over 4.1 lakh animals across Rajasthan under its community development initiative ‘Samadhan’. The company’s ecological initiatives span rural animal healthcare, veterinary support, animal water security, habitat restoration and science-led biodiversity planning, with efforts such as the rejuvenation of the 369-hectare Baghdarra Crocodile Conservation Reserve further strengthening its conservation footprint.
Over the past decade, Hindustan Zinc has conducted annual animal health camps across villages near its operational units, providing veterinary care, vaccination support, preventive treatment and awareness for livestock owners under its community development initiative ‘Samadhan’. These interventions support healthier rural ecosystems and strengthen livelihoods in regions where livestock remains closely linked to household income and community well-being. The ‘Samadhan’ initiative focuses on land-based interventions and animal health which is designed to help local farmers enhance productivity, while adopting sustainable agricultural methods.
The company’s animal care efforts also include seasonal and safety-led interventions. During peak summer months, Hindustan Zinc places water bowls and animal water tanks across villages to support access to drinking water for animals. Reflective collars are also being fitted on stray cattle to improve visibility on roads and reduce accident risks, especially in rural and high-movement areas.
Arun Misra, CEO, Hindustan Zinc, said, “At Hindustan Zinc, biodiversity stewardship is integral to how we define responsible resource development and long-term value creation. Our focus is to protect ecosystems, restore natural habitats and work closely with communities to build landscapes that are more resilient for the future. In alignment with ICMM principles, we continue to strengthen science-led conservation, measurable biodiversity outcomes and globally benchmarked practices across our operations, while contributing to India’s larger sustainability and ecological resilience goals.”
A key part of this approach is Hindustan Zinc’s Rs 5 crore Memorandum of Understanding with the Rajasthan Protected Area Conservation Society for the rejuvenation of the Baghdarra Crocodile Conservation Reserve in Udaipur district. Spread across nearly 369 hectares, the project focuses on habitat restoration for crocodiles and associated wildlife species, while strengthening the ecological health of the reserve.
The initiative also includes afforestation, water conservation structures such as check dams and ponds, wildlife protection measures and eco-sensitive visitor infrastructure including walking trails, shelters and educational exhibits. The reserve is expected to support more than 200 bird species, along with other wildlife that form part of the local ecosystem.
Hindustan Zinc is also developing and strengthening site-specific Biodiversity Management Plans across its Rajasthan operations in collaboration with the International Union for Conservation of Nature. Under this multi-year partnership, the plans are aligned with the company’s commitment to achieving No Net Loss of biodiversity and follow the mitigation hierarchy of avoiding, minimising, restoring and offsetting ecological impact.
Together, these efforts reflect Hindustan Zinc’s broader sustainability approach, bringing together science-based conservation, community participation, animal care and habitat restoration. As the company advances its growth journey, it continues to demonstrate how responsible mining can coexist with ecological preservation and long-term environmental resilience.
(India CSR)
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