Hindustan Zinc, under the leadership of Vedanta Ltd, has marked a significant milestone, celebrating 23 years since its privatization in 2002. The company, now the world’s largest fully integrated zinc producer, has grown fourfold since the acquisition.
Vedanta Ltd Chairman Anil Agarwal recently reflected on the company’s transformation, noting its impact on India’s industrial and resource landscape. He shared his thoughts on social media, highlighting Hindustan Zinc’s consistent performance in zinc, lead, and silver production, which has contributed to India’s rise in global rankings. The company has surpassed an annual output of one million tonnes for the past three years.
“In 2002, the government made a bold decision. Within a year of the takeover, we doubled profits without letting go of a single employee,” Agarwal wrote. “Today, Hindustan Zinc stands at the top of the global zinc industry.”
What started as a major reform initiative has turned into one of India’s most successful privatization stories. Since Vedanta took control, Hindustan Zinc has gained a dominant share of over 75% in the domestic primary zinc market. Additionally, silver output has grown 15 times compared to when Vedanta acquired the company.
The company’s presence in Rajasthan has driven large-scale economic development. Over the years, Hindustan Zinc has fostered the growth of more than 1,000 ancillary industries and generated millions of jobs. Its total economic contribution to the state and national economies has surpassed ₹1.7 lakh crore. The company’s commitment to environmental sustainability and clean production practices has also led to improvements in the local ecosystem. “Rajasthan has emerged stronger, both economically and environmentally,” Agarwal said. “The progress here reflects the spirit of transformation that this journey represents.”
Hindustan Zinc has set industry benchmarks in mining technology and operational integration. By embracing cutting-edge digital tools, it has increased efficiency and output while maintaining a strong focus on sustainability. As zinc and silver become essential for renewable energy and green technologies, the company is exploring new ways to support the global shift toward clean energy.
Part of the Vedanta Group, Hindustan Zinc is not only the world’s largest producer of zinc but also the third-largest producer of silver globally. With operations in over 40 countries, it controls around 75% of India’s primary zinc market.
For the second consecutive year, the company has been named the most sustainable metals and mining firm globally by the S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment. One of its notable products, EcoZen—Asia’s first low-carbon zinc—is produced using renewable energy and emits 75% less carbon than the global average.
Certified as 2.41 times Water-Positive, Hindustan Zinc is working towards achieving Net Zero emissions well before 2050. Its community programs have benefited over 2 million people, positioning the company among India’s top 10 corporate contributors to social development. With a strong commitment to innovation, sustainability, and inclusive growth, Hindustan Zinc remains a key player in securing essential metals for a cleaner and more resilient future.
