Kishan Reddy Visits Hindustan Zinc’s Rajasthan Operations, Highlights Mining Sector’s Role in Viksit Bharat 2047

“India’s journey towards Viksit Bharat 2047 will be built on the strength of its mineral resources, domestic capabilities and future-ready industries,” the Minister said.

Union Minister of Coal and Mines Shri G. Kishan Reddy visited Hindustan Zinc Limited's Rajpura Dariba Complex in Rajasthan, where he reviewed the company's advanced mining and smelting operations and highlighted the strategic importance of India's mining and metals sector in driving the country's long-term industrial and economic growth.

The visit included a detailed tour of Hindustan Zinc's Sindesar Khurd Mine — one of the world's largest silver-producing underground mines — and the Dariba Smelting Complex, a modern integrated metals processing facility.

Senior government officials and company leadership accompanied the Minister during the visit, including Hindustan Zinc CEO Arun Misra and Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Mines Vivek Bajpai.

Mining Sector Central to Viksit Bharat 2047 Vision

During the visit, Shri G. Kishan Reddy said India's journey towards becoming a developed nation under the "Viksit Bharat 2047" vision will depend significantly on the strength of its mineral resources, domestic industrial capabilities, and future-ready infrastructure.

He said Hindustan Zinc represents how India's mining sector is evolving into a modern, technology-driven, and responsible industry capable of supporting national development goals.

"India's journey towards Viksit Bharat 2047 will be built on the strength of its mineral resources, domestic capabilities and future-ready industries," the Minister said.

He added that Hindustan Zinc's integrated mining-to-metal operations, focus on innovation, safety systems, sustainability, workforce diversity, and community development align with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of building a self-reliant industrial ecosystem under Atmanirbhar Bharat.

Strategic Importance of Zinc, Lead and Silver

The visit highlighted the growing importance of critical minerals and metals in supporting India's infrastructure expansion, manufacturing growth, clean energy transition, and advanced technology sectors.

Hindustan Zinc currently has an annual refined metal production capacity exceeding 1.1 million tonnes, making it one of India's key players in the mining and metals sector.

Officials noted that metals such as:

• Zinc

• Lead

• Silver

are essential for several strategic industries, including:

• Steel galvanisation

• Renewable energy systems

• Electric mobility and EVs

• Electronics manufacturing

• Defence production

• Advanced industrial manufacturing

The government says strengthening domestic mining capacity is critical for reducing India's dependence on imported minerals and building secure supply chains for future industries.

Sindesar Khurd Mine Showcases Advanced Underground Mining

A major focus of the visit was the Sindesar Khurd Mine, which has emerged as a global benchmark for underground mining because of its scale, high silver content, and advanced technology-driven operations.

The Minister undertook an underground visit to the mine and reviewed its modern safety and operational systems.

Officials briefed him through presentations and demonstrations covering:

• The mine's operational history

• Production capacity

• Underground safety systems

• Paste filling technology

• Tele-remote mining operations

• Automated equipment systems

At the control room, Shri Reddy reviewed remote-operated mining equipment and observed how advanced digital systems are being used to improve safety, efficiency, and productivity in underground operations.

The visit highlighted the increasing adoption of automation and digital technologies in India's mining industry.

Women-Led Rescue Team Demonstration Praised

One of the major highlights of the visit was a live demonstration conducted by India's first women mine rescue team.

The Minister praised Hindustan Zinc's efforts to promote inclusion, skill development, and gender diversity in a sector historically dominated by men.

He acknowledged the company's focus on capability-building and safety excellence while encouraging greater participation of women in mining and industrial operations.

Officials said the initiative reflects broader efforts within India's mining industry to create more inclusive and diverse workplaces.

Minister Interacts With Workers and Engineers

During the visit, Shri Kishan Reddy interacted directly with contract workers, mining engineers, and operational staff at the Sindesar Khurd Mine.

He shared lunch with:

• 54 Zinc Ratna contract workers

• Women mining engineers

• Employees working across operational departments

The Minister acknowledged their contribution to the company's operational performance and India's broader mining growth story.

Officials said the interaction reflected the government's emphasis on recognising workforce participation in industrial development.

Dariba Smelting Complex Highlights Integrated Operations

The Minister also visited the Dariba Smelting Complex, where he reviewed Hindustan Zinc's integrated mining-to-metal production capabilities.

During the tour, he visited:

• The control room

• Cell house operations

• Cathode yard facilities

Officials provided an overview of the company's value-added metals production systems and its approach to safe and responsible smelting operations.

The visit showcased how integrated domestic processing capabilities are helping India strengthen its mineral value chains and reduce import dependence.

Women's Leadership and Workforce Diversity Highlighted

At the Dariba Complex, Shri Kishan Reddy also met women leaders and employees working across the facility.

He praised Hindustan Zinc's initiatives promoting:

• Leadership development

• Inclusion in mining operations

• Workforce diversity

• Women's participation in technical and industrial roles

The company currently reports a 26.3% women workforce in the metals and mining sector — one of the highest levels of female participation in India's heavy industrial sector.

The Minister said such efforts are important for building a modern and inclusive industrial workforce.

Unchi Udaan Programme Beneficiaries Meet Minister

During the visit, the Minister also interacted with beneficiaries of Hindustan Zinc's flagship "Unchi Udaan" programme.

The initiative supports skill development, education, and career advancement opportunities for young people from surrounding communities.

Officials said several beneficiaries of the programme have gone on to secure successful careers, including employment with Coal India.

The interaction highlighted the growing role of corporate social responsibility and skill development initiatives in supporting local economic empowerment.

Sustainability and Responsible Mining in Focus

Hindustan Zinc officials also briefed the Minister on the company's sustainability and environmental initiatives.

Discussions focused on efforts related to:

• Responsible mining practices

• Water stewardship

• Resource efficiency

• Energy transition

• Low-carbon growth

• Technology-led operational transformation

The company outlined its ongoing efforts to improve environmental performance while maintaining industrial competitiveness.

Officials noted that sustainability is becoming increasingly important in the global mining sector as industries face pressure to reduce emissions and adopt cleaner technologies.

Mining Sector Seen as Key to India's Economic Future

The visit reinforced the government's broader push to modernise India's mining sector and strengthen domestic mineral value chains.

As India expands manufacturing, infrastructure, renewable energy, and advanced technology industries, demand for critical minerals and metals is expected to rise sharply.

Government officials say large-scale, technology-driven mining operations will play a major role in:

• Supporting industrial growth

• Securing raw material supply chains

• Reducing import dependence

• Driving economic resilience

• Advancing the Atmanirbhar Bharat mission

The discussions concluded with a shared emphasis on the need for responsible, innovative, and globally competitive mining systems capable of supporting India's long-term development ambitions.