Hindustan Zinc Partners with TERI to Promote Greenery Using Mycorrhiza Technique

Udaipur,  Hindustan Zinc Limited, India's largest and the world's second-largest integrated zinc producer, is committed to environmental sustainability and conservation. As part of this commitment, the company is undertaking an ambitious initiative to convert 16 hectares of arid land at its Chanderiya Lead-Zinc Smelter into green cover. In collaboration with The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI), Hindustan Zinc is employing innovative mycorrhiza technology to transform barren land into lush green areas, thereby strengthening its commitment to environmental sustainability and biodiversity.

The project will utilize mycorrhiza technology, which has already shown impressive results in the initial phase. Approximately 11,000 native species were planted on 6.25 hectares of land at the Chanderiya Lead-Zinc Smelter, successfully creating a high-density green cover. This achievement earned the CII National Award for Environmental Best Practices 2021. The current phase builds on this success, aiming to further stabilize dump slopes, control erosion, and enhance carbon sequestration.

Arun Mishra, CEO of Hindustan Zinc Limited, commented on this significant achievement, stating, "As the world’s most sustainable metal and mining company, we are setting standards in corporate environmental responsibility. The use of mycorrhiza technology to green the Jaro-Fix yard exemplifies our innovative spirit and commitment to sustainable operations. We are leading the industry in converting industrial by-products into green assets."

Hindustan Zinc continues to make significant progress in the industry and sets an example through its leadership. The company focuses on a two-pronged approach to strategically reduce and offset its carbon footprint. To reduce its carbon footprint, Hindustan Zinc is increasing the share of renewable energy in its energy mix and improving its operational efficiency. The company recently announced the start of renewable energy supply from Serentica’s 180-megawatt solar project as part of its 450-megawatt renewable energy MOU (PDA). Additionally, Hindustan Zinc is running a large-scale afforestation campaign to create carbon sinks, which includes this initiative. The company has recently achieved the milestone of planting over 2 million trees around its operational units in Rajasthan and Uttarakhand. The company has also implemented Miyawaki afforestation at its operational sites, resulting in the establishment of dense, diverse, and rapidly growing forests in a short period.