The mega ecological restoration project will be developed at its Chanderiya Lead Zinc Smelter Complex in Rajasthan, building on the successful restoration of 22.25 hectares of industrial wasteland using TERI’s Mycorrhiza technology.
NEW DELHI (India CSR): Hindustan Zinc Limited has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with The Energy and Resources Institute to develop a 250-hectare ecological restoration project in Rajasthan. The project, to be developed at the company’s Chanderiya Lead Zinc Smelter Complex in Chittorgarh district, is expected to become the world’s largest green cover area within industrial premises. The initiative aims to transform industrial land into a thriving natural ecosystem, strengthening biodiversity, climate resilience and sustainable industrial development.
This collaboration plays a critical role in advancing Hindustan Zinc’s Sustainability Goal 2030 on halting and reversing biodiversity loss through measurable improvements and to progressively work towards delivering a Net Positive Impact (NPI), supporting nature-positive outcomes over the long term.
The project will follow a scientific, multi-layered ecological restoration approach, comprising native trees, shrubs, herbs and grasses suited to the local landscape. It will also include measures for invasive species management, support for water bodies and aquatic ecosystems, and the development of long-term maintenance and protection protocols. TERI will also support the identification of suitable native and adaptive plant species and bring in subject matter experts across the planning, design and implementation phases.
This new collaboration builds on Hindustan Zinc’s longstanding collaboration with TERI at the Chanderiya Lead Zinc Smelter Complex. At the Jarofix Yard (an area where residue generated during the zinc smelting process is safely stored and managed), restoration activities covering 22.25 hectares have already been completed in two phases, transforming degraded industrial land into ecologically functional and biodiverse green cover. In parallel, a 6-hectare biodiversity park is being developed atop the secured landfill within the complex. Using TERI’s Mycorrhiza technology, the initiative has enabled the plantation of nearly 56,400 native trees, creating dense green cover even in challenging industrial conditions.
Commenting on the development, Arun Misra, CEO, Hindustan Zinc Limited, said, “At Hindustan Zinc, sustainability is paramount to how we operate. From water stewardship and circularity to decarbonisation and biodiversity conservation, our focus is on building responsible, future-ready operations. Our partnership with TERI reflects this commitment by transforming industrial land into resilient green ecosystems that support native biodiversity and ecological restoration. As the first Indian company to join ICMM, we continue to align with global benchmarks in sustainable mining and remain committed to creating lasting value for the environment, communities and the nation.”
The initiative is aligned with Hindustan Zinc’s broader Environment, Social & Governance (ESG) roadmap, which places strong emphasis on land restoration, biodiversity conservation, water stewardship, decarbonisation and responsible natural resource management. The company has been strengthening its sustainability performance through its 530 MW round-the-clock renewable energy agreement, expected to meet over 70% of its power requirement, with initial supply already underway. It has also improved its water recycling rate to 49% and expanded its green mobility fleet to 232 vehicles, including electric and LNG-powered vehicles.
Hindustan Zinc, a Vedanta group company, was recently ranked as the world’s most sustainable metals and mining company for the third consecutive year in the S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment 2025. With the proposed 250-hectare ecological restoration project, the company continues to demonstrate how responsible industrial operations can contribute to regenerative landscapes, climate resilience and long-term value creation for communities, biodiversity and the planet.
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