EQUIPMENT INDIA MAGAZINE - SCALING UP SKILLS

A qualified and productive workforce in mining operations is of utmost importance. Pavan Kaushik elaborates on the efforts of Hindustan Zinc (HZL) and its Mining Academy in enhancing the skill levels of mining machine operators through its various hands-on training courses.

The natural resources industry in India has seen significant changes in the past 10 years in terms of technology, employment generation, metal production and attracting best of Indian and global talents of engineers and management graduates. The growth of mining projects in India has resulted in huge demands of skilled operators to operate sophisticated mining equipment such as jumbo drill, load haul dumper (LHD), low profile dumper truck (LPDT), etc. Hindustan Zinc Mining Academy is preparing the youth for these new and exciting opportunities.
The Beginning
In the past few years, there has been a tremendous growth in the mining sector worldwide and India is no exception. The demand of manpower in the natural resources sector is increasing year-after-year. To meet this demand, many international experts have joined at key positions to explore natural resources, improve metal recovery and build a future of sustainable mining.
As the industry is growing with the advent of automation and technology, the need for trained manpower is also increasing. This is where the Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the scope of employment opportunities with growth in natural resources sector. This led Hindustan Zinc, India's only and world's leading integrated producer of zinc, lead and silver, to identify areas that play crucial role in underground mining where the need for skilled manpower is being felt with a need to tap local talent. HZL has set up the Hindustan Zinc Mining Academy in collaboration with the Skill Council for Mining Sector and the training partner, Indian Institute of Skill Development Pvt Ltd.
Jumbo drill operators and winding engine operators came out as two distinct roles where the need for Indian skilled manpower could be deployed. These are currently being operated by expats at very high cost. Hindustan Zinc itself engages about 200 jumbo drill operators and 45 winding engine operators through business partners. The opportunities are set to move up with an increase in expansion of mines.
The Mining Academy was started as a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative on August 1, 2014. The vision of this initiative was to provide a platform to local youth for developing highly specialised skills to operate the latest and the most advanced equipment used in underground mining operations, while making them self-reliant and opening paths for sustainable livelihood. The initiative has successfully delivered two batches of six-month residential programme on jumbo drill operators, followed by a six-month residential programme on underground mining equipment. In 2014-15, the academy trained 55 ITI/Diploma pass-outs in the jumbo drill and all of them got immediate placements.
After the huge success of the programme, Hindustan Zinc envisioned and made the programme more robust with quality changes. Currently, the academy runs three centres at Bhilwara, Rajsamand and Zawar near Udaipur, with 260 candidates from all over Rajasthan.
In October 2016, Hindustan Zinc commenced jumbo drill operator training to 120 ITI/Diploma pass-outs and their training will be complete by March 2018. In the winding engine operator training programme, 47 ITI/Diploma pass-outs were enrolled in February 2017 and their eight-month long training was completed in October 2017. Besides winding engine training, these candidates are also being given exposure in banksman and bellman operations.

The Facility and Courses
Hindustan Zinc extends high-tech facility for VTC training, simulation, and hands-on training for learning maintenance and operations required in underground mines. The candidates are able to operate real machines and are given industry exposure before they complete the course as per requirement. For jumbo drill operators, the company has set up a 3-D simulator, which is a virtual reality high-tech device used in Hindustan Zinc to train the operators in heavy machinery. The 3-D simulators are cost-effective, safe, and efficient methods for training all concepts and skills, from controls familiarisation to procedure compliance. Simulation training maximises productivity and increases workforce efficiency.
Hindustan Zinc also engages experts from its locations for taking expert faculty interface classes periodically, and also invites its business partners for engagement with candidates.
All academy centres run in a professional manner with inbuilt monthly monitoring system. Since the course is residential, the academy has a provision for free boarding and lodging facilities for all the selected candidates in all the training programmes. Equal emphasis is being given on classroom lectures and practical exposures to the students for enabling them to develop a better understanding of the module. The trainees are being groomed in various aspects like soft skills, team effort, discipline and overall personality development, which would further help them in securing sustainable livelihood in future.
Also, uniform for class-room and practical sessions are being provided by the academy to all candidates. They are also engaged in various indoor and outdoor sports – cricket, volleyball, badminton, chess, carom board, football etc.

Selection Criteria
It was assessed as an opportunity for the ITI pass-outs and diploma holders who are below the age of 30 years and who are qualified to operate equipment through training.
The candidates are being invited through advertisements in prominent newspapers as well as channels like FM Radio, WhatsApp and jingles are also engaged to create the buzz.
Application forms available on the mentioned website are to be filled online and then all applicants have to appear for written test (aptitude/respect for rules/IQ/English proficiency test etc). Successful participants are then called for documents check, medical fitness test, police verification for final selection/completion of the course and then
proceed for interview. Also, all existing trainees act as brand ambassadors and communicate through their channels.

Evaluation Process
The training assessment has inbuilt weekly and monthly tests, followed by quarterly third-party assessment. Candidates successfully fulfilling passing criteria each month
and in the third-party quarterly assessment are being awarded with National Skill Qualification Framework (NSQF) certifications. The Government of India notified the
NSQF on December 27, 2013. This is a competence-based framework that organises all qualifications according to a series of knowledge, skills and aptitude.
Certification based on National Occupational Standards is facilitated by Skill Council for Mining Sector (SCMS) after third-party assessment to the enrolled candidates who successfully complete the programme. The National Occupational Standards specify the standard of performance an individual must achieve when carrying out a role at the workplace, together with the knowledge and understanding they need to meet that standard consistently.
The candidates are given stipend ranging from Rs 2,000 to Rs 7,000 and also performance top-up according to set criteria based on their attendance and assessment performance, which motivates high performers to give their best. Further, to boost the confidence, centre-wise toppers and overall toppers are also given cash reward on quarterly basis, ranging Rs 5,000-10,000 during the course.
Apart from certification and monetary rewards, SCMS conducts an internal auditor assessment as well through reputed third-party audit checks like KPMG that are monitored by a designated Project Steering Committee comprising senior executives.

Importance of Skill Development in Mining
According to the McKinsey Global Institute, over the last decade, the contribution of mining to India's GDP has fallen from 1.2 per cent to one per cent. If properly tapped, the mining industry could help propel growth for the country over the next decade. In fact, the performance of mining sector will be an important factor for India to achieve over seven per cent GDP growth. The mining industry has the potential to create six million additional jobs by 2025, accounting for 12 per cent of the new non-farm job gap.
India needs to create an additional 150 million non-farm jobs by 2025, to significantly reduce poverty, and empower people. It is also need to be highlighted that there are no relevant courses available in mining space for the candidates to pursue. Apart from this, the awareness level among youth and quality of education are other bottlenecks to meet the required skills.
Mining workforce is crucial for sustainable development of the sector, especially as there could be incremental demand of 1.5-2.5 times of the current workforce by 2025. 
To bridge the imminent shortage of human resource in mining sector, there are two possibilities that can be considered: increase the number of seats in mining engineering in relevant institutes over the next 10-15 years. The second solution is to devise short-term mining-specific courses for ITIs/diploma holders in mining states by facilitating private sector participation in skill development for the mining sector.
Setting up perhaps India's first Mining Academy, Hindustan Zinc is developing an ecosystem and contributing in unlocking India's potential in mining. This is certainly going to enhance India's capability in training people in the mining space and putting India on the growth path.
Definitely, a long-term vision and consistent effort is going to make India self-reliant on such mining skills, which presently is outsourced mostly from abroad. This has helped local youth to gain meaningful employment, and enhance employability of eligible youth. To some extent, it has also ensured sustained availability of adequate trained operators for the growing mining sector in India that completely aligns with 'Make in India' concept and act as a catalyst in nation building.

Challenges
There is a need to drive initiatives for the overall development of the mining sector. The major challenge in training people in mining is availability of proper infrastructure. The equipment is costly and sophisticated. Hindustan Zinc has provided simulators and has made its underground mines accessible for training, which is substituting need for the required infrastructure. Also, to enhance the personalities and imbibe discipline in these candidates, the programme has been made fully residential. The attrition is almost nil at Mining Academy, which itself speaks about its credibility and standard with qualitative training.

Future Plans
Hindustan Zinc plans to spend Rs 30 crore in five years to train about 500 ITI pass-outs in jumbo drill and winding engine operations. The academy is determined to have the jumbo drill batches every six months, which is well in place. The academy also provides training on other trades like winding engine, banksman, bellman, etc; an exclusive jumbo operator programme for ex-servicemen that started in October 2017 and another batch of regular jumbo drill programmes to start in January 2018. 
Currently, there are approximately 260 candidates on board at the academy across its three centres. To further strengthen the foundation of Mining Academy, Hindustan Zinc is exploring the possibilities to run it through a registered society. The academy is even planning to initiate online assessment for entrance examinations and has started a step-up programme for rural youth residing near Hindustan Zinc's business locations. This is a pre-coaching programme to encourage and prepare these youth for entrance examination to join the course.
Recently, the company organized placement drive for these students and 126 passing-out students got jobs with an average package of Rs. 25,000/- per month. Hindustan Zinc's business partners have come together to employ these trained youths and use them for their different operations. These candidates have been recruited by companies like SK Khetan, BGE Mining Pvt Ltd, SMSL, Aravali Construction Co, Teknomin Construction Limited, UTM Engineering Pvt Ltd, AAC Mining Executors India Pvt Limited, to name a few. Hindustan Zinc itself engages about 200 Jumbo Drill Operators and 45 Winding Engine Operators. As Hindustan Zinc mines are in expansion mode, the opportunities for employment are only likely to increase.

By Pavan Kaushik
Head - Corporate Communication, HZL

ASIAN AGE - ‘HINDUSTAN ZINC FOOTBALL ACADEMY' Sets-up Infra for Future Football Players in India

Perhaps India's first junior football academy that will go at the grass-root level and select 40 talented & aspiring footballers, below the age of 12 years, to nurture & train them as professional football players. It will also organize 64 Community Football Clusters that will nurture 2500 football enthusiasts through camps to form a 20 players team each of girls and boys at each Cluster. Hindustan Zinc Football Academy will be fully residential, with international standard training facilities and induction of 'F-Cube Technology' for training. The Academy will also introduce for the first time in India 'Junior Zinc Premier League Football Tournament'.

Football is the most popular sport and enjoys maximum participation and fan following on a global scale with over 200 countries and affiliates playing the football as official members of FIFA. Over the last few years, India has seen a great push towards the development of football with a massive football fan following which was also recently seen at the Under-17 FIFA World Cup in India.
Going back to the history, on November 6, 1869, Rutgers and Princeton played, what was billed as the first college football game. However, it wasn't until the 1880s that a great rugby player from Yale, Walter Camp, pioneered rules changes that slowly transformed rugby into the new game of American Football.
In India, Nagendra Prasad Sarbadhikary, who is recognized as the father of Indian football, introduced soccer in the year 1877 at Hare School, Calcutta. It is Nagendra Prasad Sarbadhikary who mobilized his classmates and started playing the game at Hare School compound.
In 1889 India's oldest and current team Mohun Bagan A.C. was founded as "Mohun Bagan Sporting Club". This was the first club to be under the rule of the army. Several football clubs like Calcutta FC, Sovabazar and Aryan Club were established in Calcutta during the 1890s.
Hindustan Zinc, has been associated with sports and has been promoting sportsmen for almost 4 decades when the company made its football stadium at Zawar in Rajasthan in 1976. Since last 40 years, National Football Tournaments are being organized every year at Zawar Stadium in the memory of late Shri Mohan Kumar Manglam, former Union Minister for Steel and Mines, Government of India. The tournament attracts more than 50,000 spectator every year from across India with teams participating from Delhi, Mumbai, Udaipur, Chennai, Kolkata, Jodhpur, Jaipur, Dehradun, Ahmedabad, Hisar, Meerut and Himachal Pradesh and other cities. Overall the tournament witnesses about 20 national level football matches. The company has also constructed a stadium in Rajsamand in Rajasthan to promote sports.
Hindustan Zinc assessed that a sportsman needs financial security, training, infrastructure and confidence to put his hundred percent energy. With an aim to encourage and support sportsmen, the first association of Hindustan Zinc started with the Ace Archer Padam Shri Limba Ram and extended to Bhupendra Vyas - 7 Gold Medals winner of Commonwealth Games in Power-Lifting event; Mala Sukhwal – Gold Medallist in Women Power-Lifting and Jabbar Mohammed, the Volleyball Player. Hindustan Zinc also supported the Ace Discus-Throw international champion, Krishna Poonia who has been the recipient of the Arjuna Award in 2010 and Padma Sri Award in 2011.
Another example of support was Bhakti Sharma who has set world record in open-water swimming by covering 2.5 km in Antarctic Ocean, beating the record of British open water swimming champion Lewis Pugh and American swimmer Lynne Cox. 'Had Hindustan Zinc not supported, it would have been impossible to achieve this feat', Bhakti Sharma had said after achieving this milestone.
The company also supports multi-sports tournaments for school children in Rajasthan that sees thousands of children participating in various sports.

Setting up “Hindustan Zinc Football Academy”
Hindustan Zinc association with sports and sportsmen brought the thought of setting up of India's first, below 12 years, international level 'Hindustan Zinc Football Academy' in Udaipur.  The Company's vision is to set up a world-class technology based fully residential Football Academy and provides a 360 degree holistic platform whereby talented footballers from Rajasthan, both boys and girls, can get an opportunity to get trained and play for the Indian National Team. Hindustan Zinc has tied-up with 'The Football Link Sport' for setting-up this state-of-the-art Football Academy.
Hindustan Zinc Football Academy currently has 40 children. To get these 40 children, 23 Talent Scouting Camps have already been organized that saw the participation of over 3000 children from 5 districts of Rajasthan – Udaipur, Bhilwara, Chittorgarh, Rajsamand and Ajmer. These identified 40 children will now undergo rigorous training to become professional football players and play in various Local, National and International football tournaments. The training will be for 4-6 hours a day, for about 5-6 years, till they get to the age of 17-18 years.
World Class technology based 'Player Performance Analysis Centre' is also being set-up with artificial turf grounds and latest technological innovations including the 'F-Cube Technology'.
Hindustan Zinc Football Academy would provide all necessary facilities, complete football kits and accessories to the selected children. Their training and grooming would be monitored by experts that would include health & fitness experts and nutrition & diet experts. Their skills, body weight, energy, strength and stamina would be tested and monitored on regular basis.
To strengthen the ultimate purpose, the Academy will further undertake skill development of local and national football coaches by organizing various coaches' development initiatives and certification courses in association with the District, State and National Football Federations to develop a talent pool of skilled football educators.
The Academy will therefore help in creating employment and job opportunities for passionate football coaches.
The ultimate objective is to reach out to more than 60,000 children in 100 villages and tribal areas in Rajasthan in the next five years.

"I have always believed that every person should pursue one sport throughout his life with the intention to keep the body fit and healthy. Hindustan Zinc believes that India has a huge talent that is hidden in rural and tribal areas, unexplored, and they just need guidance, support and opportunities. Hindustan Zinc has supported many sportsmen that have brought laurels to India. We decided to build an international level football academy and have identified Zawar in Rajasthan, which is a tribal area, to bring forward hidden talent and give them proper infrastructure, training and all other facilities, so that one day they are able to play not just for Rajasthan but for India. All this support is part of our CSR and budget will never be a constraint."
– Mr. Sunil Duggal - CEO, HZL

Induction of Technology for Skill Development
The Academy has introduced 'F-Cube Technology' which is a globally accepted sensor based interactive and intelligent device for football training, skill evaluation, accuracy, response monitoring, measurement of speed, endurance and power of the players.
First time introduced in India, this device, as a player crosses different levels, would measure and enhance the training parameters. It precisely presents, digitally, an analysis of players for evaluation so that necessary strengths can be developed and weaknesses may be addressed.

Developing Community Football Clusters in Rural Rajasthan
Hindustan Zinc has focus to penetrate in rural and tribal areas through an extensive 'Community Outreach Program' across 5 identified districts of Rajasthan by adopting 64 Government Schools and their play-grounds to create grassroots football network for nurturing football talent in the long run. Each Cluster will also scout for about 40 children who are below the age group of 12 years and will form 2 teams, 20 each of boys and girls. Overall these clusters will nurture 2500 football enthusiasts. By now, 30 clusters have already become operative and training have started.  These football enthusiasts are provided with professional training and fitness sessions.

Assurance of Formal Education - Admissions in Schools
Hindustan Zinc has already been associated with about 55 schools through its Shiksha Sambal Project and the company also has its own schools at every location where the businesses are located. To assure continuance of formal education to the final 40 children of the Academy, the company has identified schools for the admission of these children so that their formal education is also not hampered. Additional tutoring to these children will also be provided to help them in their Academics.

Zinc Football Team v/s National Football Teams
After the rigorous training at Hindustan Zinc Football Academy, a 'Zinc Football Team' of boys and girls would be separately formed that would compete in national tournaments. Hindustan Zinc Football Academy also has plans to partner with International Football Clubs to promote the trained football players of Hindustan Zinc Football Academy for further exposure.
The Company is confident that some of these players will have the potential to be selected for the national football team and clubs and would also be eligible to participate in international football tournaments.

By Pavan Kaushik
Head - Corporate Communication, HZL

SAFETY TOWN HALL MEETING AT HZL

Safety Town Hall was organized at Head Office, Udaipur on 1st December, 2017. The program started with a screening of a heart touching short film as a safety contact aimed at increasing awareness on importance of safety. During the program, Mr. Sunil Duggal – CEO, HZL emphasized on a re-audit of lifting & shifting practices for further improvement in rigging practices as well at Hindustan Zinc. Also present were Mr. Naveen Singhal - Director, Projects and Mr. Dilip Pattnayak - Head HR during the program along with other senior management officials.
The employees from all the units joined through 12 TP/VC and 8 webcasts. More than 2000 employees participated in the Town Hall.

BEING SAFE - AN INTERACTIVE WORKSHOP

"Being Safe" initiative has been quite effective in reducing stress, bringing-in a sense of responsibility not just at the workplace but also towards the families of the employees... 

Hindustan Zinc conducted "Being Safe" workshop on 20th December 2017 at Zinc Smelter Debari to promote safety awareness amongst the employees. The workshop was attended by over 200 contract and regular employees of Hindustan Zinc. 

The workshop was undertaken by Head – Corporate Communication of Hindustan Zinc who is also the founder of "Being Safe" – Pavan Kaushik who interacted with the employees informally and explained to them the significance of life. The 90 minutes workshop comprised discussion of live case studies, screening specially crafted safety films and showcasing real life photographs as to how people take their own safety for granted.
"Being Safe" is a scientifically designed interactive program to reduce the mind stress of the employees and bring in a sense of realization of "Being Safe" for their own-self and for their families.
The workshop concluded with the participants taking oath of following the path of "Being Safe" and to make it a habit while working in the plant and outside too.
"Being Safe" workshop has interacted with more than 2500 employees, their family members and school students of Rajasthan.

2ND CII NATIONAL 5S EXCELLENCE AWARD - 2017 TO PMP

Pantnagar Metal Plant received first prize under category of Process Industry – Large along with the certificate of gold rating during 2nd CII National 5S Excellence Award - 2017 on 27th October, 2017 at New Delhi. There were around 112 participants in the category. The award was given by Mr. S.S. Gupta – Department of Industrial Policy & Promotion, Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Govt of India and Mr. Winfried Damm – Director, Indo – German Energy Program. The award was received by Mr. C. Chandru – Head PMP, Mr. V.K. Singh – Head Civil, PMP and Mr. Sandeep Nain – Head Quality, PMP.

HINDUSTAN ZINC WINS INDIA TODAY - SAFAIGIRI AWARDS 2017

Hindustan Zinc has won the India Today Safaigiri Award 2017 under the category of Best Public Private Partnership (PPP) Model for project - Sewage Treatment Plant(STP), built in Udaipur. The award was presented by Hon'ble Vice President of India - Mr. Venkaiah Naidu and Founder & Editor-in-Chief of India Today - Mr. Aroon Purie, in a glittering ceremony held in New Delhi on 2nd October, 2017. The jury of the award were Mr. Shashi Tharoor – MP & Author, Mr. Aroon Purie – Chairman, India Today, Mr. Shubhagato Dasgupta - Senior Fellow, Centre for Policy Research, Ms. Shilpa Shetty – renowned Actress, Mr. Vinayak Chatterjee - Co-founder, Feedback Infra Private Limited, Mr. T.V. Mohandas Pai – Chairman-Manipal Global Education and Ms. Neerja Birla – Founder and Chairperson-Aditya Birla Education Trust.
Mr. Pavan Kaushik presented the insight on the STP project to the audience which was very well received and the audience understood this project as a model to be replicated by the industries that need water for their operations. He spoke about how the project STP is cleaning lakes and rivers, replacing fresh water with treated water and how this has impacted the overall environment of Udaipur. Hon'ble Vice President also spoke about sustainable models for cleanliness. Hon'ble Prime Minister also sent a message that was read-out during the conference.
On behalf of Hindustan Zinc, the award was received by Mr. Pavan Kaushik - Head Corporate Communication, Mr. T.R. Gupta - AVP, Corporate Affairs and Ms. Devika Gupta - AM Corporate Communication.

ASIAN AGE - ZINC - MORE THAN JUST A MINERAL, A BOON FOR HEALTH

Germans called Zinc metal as 'Caunterfeitum' or 'mock-silver' because of its silvery white lustre and 'rishis' of Vedic era recommend 'Jasada bhasma' a Zinc based preparation, as the treatment of choice for diabetes. The importance of Zinc has been known to India since ancient times. Modern medicine also recognizes the curative properties of Zinc. Long before being identified as an element, Zinc was used for making brass and for medicinal purposes.
While Zinc was unknown in Europe until the end of 16th century, India had been producing Zinc at a large scale since the 12th century onwards. The mines in Rajasthan have given an evidence of Zinc production since 6th century BC.
Today, Zinc is the 4th most widely consumed mineral in the world after iron, aluminium, and copper. Almost 58% of the Zinc mined across the world is used for galvanizing, 14% for die-casting, 10% for alloys and brass making, 9% in chemicals, 6% in rolled Zinc and 3% for other miscellaneous purposes.
An adult human body contains about 2-3 grams of Zinc, needed for the body's enzymes and immune system to function properly.  Every cell requires Zinc to multiply. Zinc strengthens the immune system to prevent and effectively fight diarrheal diseases which are often life threatening for children in the developing countries. A few extra milligrams of Zinc everyday could save the life of 450,000 kids.
Zinc deficiency is a global health problem. According to studies done by International Zinc Association, in spite of proven benefits of adequate Zinc nutrition, approximately 2 billion people still remain at the risk of Zinc deficiency and 800,000 people are at risk of dying each year due to Zinc deficiency.
According to Food and Health Organization (FAO), one third of the world population lives in countries that have high risk of Zinc deficiency, India being one of them. The most vulnerable are infants, young children, pregnant and lactating women due to their elevated requirements for Zinc.
Children are especially vulnerable to Zinc deficiency which weakens their immune system making them prone to diarrhoea, pneumonia and malaria which are most common causes of death in developing countries. Surprisingly, India contributes to the largest child deaths in the world.  Zinc deficiency also leads to retarded growth & development and stunting with life-long impacts on health.
Point is, we do understand that we need Zinc for our body, but how many of us actually demand for it.

ZINC - a Nutrient for all
An essential trace element, Zinc is imperatively required by the human body to act as a catalyst for the daily functioning of the body. Zinc deficiency today kills 1.5 million children every year. Zinc deficiency affects not only kids but adults too.
It all starts with the soil that grows the crops which the populace consumes. When the soils are deficient in Zinc, the grain concentrations of the crops grown in these soils are lower. Thus people eating crops that have been grown in Zinc – deficient soils receive less Zinc from their diets and are therefore at risk of Zinc deficiency. By consuming Zinc rich foods like seafood, beef, wheat germ, spinach, nuts etc., one can ensure a healthy immune system, proper building of proteins and smooth absorption of copper and iron in the body in the long run. Thus, by adding Zinc to the soils, to the foods (also called fortification) or even through consumption of oral tablets or multivitamin supplements, one can ensure no pathological and physiological consequences of Zinc deficiency and a healthy working body.

ZINC - reduces DNA Damage
Zinc is an essential part of nearly 3,000 different proteins, and it impacts how these proteins regulate every cell in our body. In the absence of sufficient Zinc, our ability to repair every day wear and tear on our DNA is compromised.
A modest increase in dietary Zinc - equivalent to four milligrams per day - may reduce oxidative stress and wear and tear to DNA, a new study has claimed. Researchers from the UCSF Benioff Children Hospital Research Institute (CHORI) in the US show that extra Zinc in the diet can have a profound, positive impact on cellular health that helps fight infections and diseases. This amount of Zinc is equivalent to what bio-fortified crops like Zinc rice and Zinc wheat can add to the diet of vulnerable, nutrient deficient populations, researchers said. The study led by CHORI Senior Scientist Janet King and her team is the first to show that a modest increase in dietary Zinc reduces oxidative stress and damage to DNA.

ZINC - for improvement of your Vision
In today's times of increasing working hours and chronic stress, Computer Vision Syndrome and Digital Eye Strain are a common issue. Headache, blurred vision, irritation, extra tearing, excessive blinking and even neck pain are symptoms of the same.
Zinc, the essential trace mineral, or 'helper molecule', is vital for eye health. Zinc is highly concentrated in the eyes, mostly in the retina and choroid, the vascular tissue layer under the retina. It plays a crucial role in bringing vitamin-A from the liver to the retina in order to produce melanin, a protective pigment in the eyes. Zinc has been shown to protect against age-related macular degeneration, night blindness, cataract, damage to optic nerve, impaired vision, poor night vision and cloudy cataracts. A person with Zinc deficiency in their body is also at risk for alopecia (loss of hair from eyebrows and eyelashes), mental sluggishness and increased susceptibility to infection.

ZINC - a tonic for your Skin…
Pollution, harsh weather, the sun's UV rays, poor diet, stress and lack of exercise. All of these have a role to play in deteriorating your skin's condition. A trace mineral essential to all forms of life, Zinc is especially important for clear skin because of its fundamental role in gene expression, cell growth and cell replication. Zinc's presence in personal care products like sunscreens, bath soaps, baby lotion, makeup etc. helps reduce sunburn and premature aging of the skin. Used in a wide range of cosmetics and personal care products, Zinc in the form of Zinc Oxide, acts as a skin protectant from both UVA and UVB rays. It enhances the wound healing process, and meets the increased demand of cell proliferation that occur in the early phases of healing. Sunscreens containing Zinc and its soluble forms provide antioxidant protection to the skin. Zinc salt has been used as a cosmetic ingredient since it contains anti – microbial and astringent properties. By using skin toners with Zinc helps tighten pores and absorb excess oil, which in turn helps to prevent the build-up of sebum, the reason behind acne.
'Seborrheic dermatitis' (dandruff) is a condition that we are well aware of. Shampoos containing Zinc help treat and prevent flaking of the scalp tremendously as per a study done by National Centre for Biotechnology Information. Also, extensively used in the form of mineral make up, Zinc and its compounds help prevent and protect the skin from burns and irritation because of which, it is universally used in ointments for relieving from sunburns, windburns and diaper rashes. Another benefit of Zinc is its usage in Soaps. Zinc helps treat various skin conditions like psoriasis, eczema, ringworm, fungus etc.

ZINC - boon for Healthy Hair
Hair loss can be caused by various reasons such as hormones, genetics, poor diet, age, radiation or chemotherapy treatment, stress, infections, chemicals, rapid weight loss, or other diseases. But the most common cause of hair loss is poor nutrition.
Zinc consumption is vital in human body because it helps build healthy cells, regulate hormones and absorb other nutrients. It also plays a key role for healthy hair, skin and nails.
Zinc is required for the normal division of hair follicle cells, leading to healthier hair growth. Zinc also helps keep hormone levels balanced, which could be one of the reasons why it is effective in preventing hair loss.
Experts believe that Zinc deficiency can actually lead to deterioration of the protein structure that makes up the hair follicle. This weakening of follicles can in turn cause hair shedding and hair loss. There are even a few outlying studies in which people's greyed, aged hair returned to its original colour when nourished with Zinc-rich diets or hair growth supplements. As a bonus, Zinc for hair growth may help eliminate dandruff on the scalp as well.

ZINC  – a must for Dental Care
Zinc plays a significant role towards dental care and hygiene. Bad breath or halitosis is caused when there are signs of tooth decays, which produces sulphur compounds that are reasons for foul odour. Mouthwash might mask the problem for some time, but won't fix it. Brushing the teeth regularly is the remedy to remove the bacteria causing malodour.
Here is where Zinc steps in. Zinc and chlorine dioxide when used in toothpastes help treat bad breath. Zinc stops the enzymes from breaking down the amino acid that makes sulphur; while chlorine dioxide kills the already formed bacteria. This prevents tooth decay, gum disease, and gastroenteritis, which are all associated with bad breath.
While Zinc is present in the human body in cells, eyes etc., it is also naturally present in mouth in the saliva and the enamel of teeth. Zinc is formulated into oral health products to control plaque, reduce malodour, prevent growth of bacteria and inhibit calculus deposits that form on the teeth. Zinc helps prevent diseases that originate from the mouth like: oral ulceration, stomatitis, white tongue coating, mouth sores and burning mouth syndrome. Zinc is also used when teeth are affected by cavities, in the form of fillings to restore a damaged tooth back to its normal function and shape. Using a mixture of Zinc and other elements, this filling lasts for more than 10 years, is less expensive and can withstand forces.

ZINC – can prevent Osteoporosis
What is Osteoporosis - It is a medical condition in which the bones become brittle and fragile from loss of tissue, typically as a result of hormonal changes, or deficiency of calcium or vitamin D. Though any age is vulnerable to Osteoporosis, but people above 40 are more prone to it. There are more than 10 million cases per year in India.
We all have forever patronized Calcium for strong bone health in our bodies. With increased awareness for the nutrient, everyone focuses on Calcium and forgets about another essential element which helps in increasing bone density and boosting immunity.
Zinc is in fact a crucial element for proper absorption of Calcium and Vitamin D to get into cells where it works to build bones. Although Calcium is the mineral most associated with bone formation, Zinc is also found in the bones. Forming a small percentage of the bone, Zinc is needed to form Hydroxylapatite which is a naturally occurring crystalline Calcium complex. Hydroxylapatite crystals make up about half of the bones' weight.
A deficiency in trace minerals predisposes osteoporosis. According to studies by National Centre for Biotechnology Information, Zinc helps in prevention of osteoporosis.

ZINC  – helpful for Thyroid patients 
Zinc may be helpful in patients with low T3 and may contribute to conversion of T4 to T3. In animal studies, Zinc deficiency lowered T3 and free T4 concentrations by approximately 30%. Levels of total T4 were not affected by Zinc deficiency. In a group of patients with low levels of free T3 and normal T4, but elevated rT3 and mild to moderate Zn deficiency, taking oral Zinc supplements for 12 months, normalized the serum free T3 and total T3 levels, decreased the rT3 and normalized TSH levels.
On the other hand, like iodine, too much Zinc may suppress thyroid function. Very high doses of Zinc interfere with copper absorption and can lead to serious and potentially fatal copper deficiency. Thus it is advised to take copper when supplementing with Zinc.

ZINC  - helpful in Depression
Zinc plays a part in modulating the brain and body's response to stress all along the way. Zinc has been found to be low in the serum of those suffering from depression. In fact, the lower the Zinc level, the more depressed a person is. Zinc deficiency can lead to symptoms of depression, difficulties with learning and memory, seizures, aggression, and violence. Low serotonin levels are also believed to be the cause of many cases of mild to severe depression which can lead to symptoms such as anxiety, apathy, fear, feelings of worthlessness, insomnia and fatigue. The enzymes containing Zinc are necessary for the synthesis of serotonin.
Since the 1920s Zinc has been known to play a credible role in mental health. Decades of research have found a link between taking Zinc supplements and improvement in the symptoms of schizophrenia, autism, ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) and other mental health problems. Zinc is particularly found in a part of the brain called the hippocampus. In the hippocampus, which is the part of the brain central to memory and mood, antidepressants work by increasing the production of the nerve fertilizer BDNF (Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor) in the hippocampus, which helps in nerve recovery, adaptation, and repair. Zinc deficiency leads to decreased Zinc in the nerve synapse. The same mechanism might be responsible for seizures, migraines, dementia, anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorder.
Under conditions of major stress, Zinc swiftly leaves the body in the form of urine, sweat, and saliva. A daily intake of Zinc is required to maintain a steady state of the body.

ZINC  – a boon for your Memory
The link between Zinc and memory is well studied especially because Zinc deficiency can cause memory loss. Don't be surprised, Zinc deficiency also affects your Memory - How !!! Over the years, it has been shown that some people with memory impairment do have Zinc deficiency. In a study done on mice by researchers from Duke University Medical Centre and Massachusetts Institute of Technology, the role of Zinc in the brain has been highlighted. Zinc is stored and released in the brain from nerve cells that are also responsible for releasing the neurotransmitter, glutamate. The released Zinc can act on glutamate receptors and other voltage-gated ion channels in the brain. It can also modulate synapses (a property known as synaptic plasticity). Both of these effects contribute significantly to learning and memory. Zinc deficiency affects short-term memory more than long-term memory.

ZINC  - stave off Cancer growth
Zinc supplements may halt the rapid growth of esophageal cancer cells, according to a study that could lead to new prevention and treatment strategies for the disease. Previous studies have shown that Zinc is essential for maintaining human health and protects the oesophagus or food pipe from cancer. Researchers at the University of Texas, Arlington, U.S. discovered that Zinc selectively halts the growth of cancer cells but not normal esophageal epithelial cells. “Zinc deficiency has been found in many cancer patients. Both clinical data and animal studies have shown that this mineral is very important for overall body health and for cancer prevention,” says Dr. Zui Pan, an associate professor of nursing at UTA. The study, published in the FASEB Journal, found that Zinc is an important element in many proteins and many enzymes and its absence makes it impossible for cells to function.
An insufficient amount of Zinc can lead to the development of cancer and other diseases, the researchers say.

ZINC  – can improve your Sleep Disorder
Zinc plays an essential role in neurotransmitter function and helps maintain cognition. It is necessary in the metabolism of Melatonin which is a key hormone for healthy sleep. Zinc is one of the three minerals that have a sedative effect on the nervous system (the others are Calcium and Magnesium) and is also thought to help mental recovery post-stress.
A research study by Rondanelli et al in 2011 tested the effect of Zinc, Melatonin & Magnesium on patients with primary insomnia and found that the treatment had a beneficial effect on the quality of sleep. It is thought that whilst the Melatonin helped with sleep onset, it was Magnesium and Zinc that had a positive effect on the restorative value of sleep.
Consumption of Zinc helps to have less wake-ups in the night. It is an excellent & safe sleep aid; and also has a calming & antidepressant effect. Zinc has shown to improve the vividness of dreams as well.
Studies published in the Journal of American Geriatrics Society have revealed that the combination of Zinc, Melatonin and Magnesium is highly recommended to help improve the quality of sleep of insomnia patients.

ZINC  - a necessary supplement for Diabetes
Diabetes might be one of the most talked about diseases across the world and especially in India, but awareness about the same can well be estimated by the fact that today India has more people with type-2 diabetes. The WHO also estimates that 80 per cent of diabetes deaths occur in low and middle-income countries and projects that such deaths will double between 2016 and 2030.
Interestingly, Zinc has long been an ingredient used in “older” insulins, such as Regular, NPH, and Lente. Zinc is also necessary for the formation of insulin in the pancreas's beta cells. For these reasons, researchers have looked at the role of Zinc supplementation in the prevention and treatment of Type 2 diabetes— but unfortunately, without success.
However, new light has been shed on the role of Zinc in diabetes. In this month's issue of Diabetes Care, Finnish researchers followed 1,050 adults with Type 2 diabetes for seven years. During that time, 156 participants died from heart disease and 254 had fatal or nonfatal heart attacks. Blood Zinc levels were lower in people who died from heart disease compared to those who survived; also, Zinc levels were lower in those who had heart attacks. The authors of this study speculate that, possibly because Zinc has antioxidant properties, supplementation may be useful in warding off heart disease in people with Type 2 diabetes.

ZINC  - for a Healthy Heart
Researchers from the University of Leicester discovered that Zinc plays a key role in regulating the way Calcium moves in the heart cells. Zinc is present in heart muscle and interacts with Calcium to affect heart function.
Past research have shown patients with congestive heart failure often have profound Zinc deficiency. Zinc has potent antioxidant properties which help to neutralize free radicals that may accelerate aging & contribute to the development of chronic diseases like cancer and heart disease. In addition to essential metabolic functions, the level of Zinc in the body also affects the heart muscle. When oxidative stress occurs, it may be due to a shortage of Zinc, which can be determined by examining the heart muscle. Studies by the Technical University of Munich (TUM) show the relationship between the total amount of Zinc in the body and cardiac function. Zinc deficiency initially appears as symptoms on the skin, hair and fingernails, although it can progress to include reduced immune response and organ failure, including the heart. Heart palpitations have numerous causes, including many benign ones, but they may indicate early signs of heart failure.
Zinc appears to have protective effects in coronary artery disease and cardiomyopathy. In such states, replenishing with Zinc has been shown to improve cardiac function and prevent further damage.
There are many areas where Zinc is beneficial. Globally, the usages of Zinc are still being explored and the doctors are finding new areas where Zinc may prove to be useful.
While Zinc is vital for proper functioning of the body, it is important to consult medical advice before taking Zinc supplements.
India is amongst very few countries in the world that have sufficient availability of Zinc for at least next 40 years. Once the public sector company, Hindustan Zinc, now under the Vedanta Group, has production capacity of 825,000 tonnes of Zinc against the consumption of about 675,000 tonnes in India. Hindustan Zinc is also looking to expand the production of Zinc to over 1.2 million tonnes in the coming 3-5 years to meet the growing demand of Zinc in the domestic sector.

By Pavan Kaushik
Head - Corporate Communication, HZL

7-8% CONTRIBUTION OF MINING SECTOR IN GDP CAN CREATE 25 MILLION JOBS IN INDIA

Continuous decrease of mining sector share in India's GDP is holding GDP's growth. The mining sector aspires to contribute 7-8% to India's GDP and if this happens, India would realize a GDP of 9% in the coming years.
The development of natural resources dates back to about 50,000 years - in the Middle Paleolithic Chert mines of Nazlet Sabaha (or Safaha), a site on the western banks of the Nile River in Egypt. In India, Zinc mining dates back to over 3000 years in Rajasthan at Zawar.
India produces 87 minerals which include 4 fuel minerals, 10 metallic minerals, 47 non-metallic minerals, 3 atomic minerals and 23 minor minerals.
Mining was important in the ancient times and mining is important today and for the future survival of mankind. Development of natural resources is essential for sustaining economies as it gives birth to industrial development, ancillary industries, employment generation and prosperity. Employment generation is a key result but the end result is eradication of poverty.
But, in the last over a decade, the contribution of mining sector in GDP has been stagnant to nearly 1.2%, which is highly alarming. The Indian mining sector grew at a CAGR of 7.3% in the last decade compared to 22% in China in the same period. The mining sector in India employs a smaller percentage of India's population, just about 0.3% as compared to 3.8% in South Africa, 1.4% in Chile and 0.7% in China.  It is also true that employment in the Indian mining sector has grown at a rate of 3% per annum over the last 10 years.
The McKinsey Global Institute report suggests that development of mining sector will be important if India has to achieve 7% plus GDP growth. The report further says that mining sector alone has the potential to create 6 million additional jobs by 2025. The sector can contribute an additional USD 125 billion to India's output and USD 47 billion to India's GDP by 2025.
About five years back, in the year 2012, mining sector accounted for about 3 million direct jobs and additional 8 million indirectly.
The mining sector contributed 3.4% of India's GDP in 1992-93, which declined to 3% in 1999-2000 and further to 2.3% in 2009-10.
To mention, every 1% increase in the growth rate of mining sector results in 1.2% to 1.4% increment in the growth rate of industrial production and correspondingly increase of 0.3% in the growth rate of India's GDP.
According to a report by FICCI, if India is looking to increase the share of mining sector to 5% of the GDP in the next 20 years, this sector would be required to grow at the rate of 10-12% annually.
The economies are simple. If India is unable to keep pace with the growing demand of infrastructure development, it would only be increasing the import bill. The import not only increases the cost but it also decreases the employment opportunities for the primary country. This becomes important since India currently is dealing with about 30% of unemployed youth.
Example of Angul is unique. Due to Mahanadi Coal Field, large down-stream industries have been set-up and that has resulted in increase in Angul's GDP per capita from INR 39,000/- to INR 101,000/-. Even the lowest income group in Angul has decreased from 67% in 2002 to mere 25% in 2012 and is expected to be less than 5% by 2025.
India is also far behind in expenditure towards exploration.  It accounts for only 0.3% compared to over 19% by Canada, 12% by Australia, 7% by United States, and 4.5% by China. The Geological Survey of India needs to expand its focus on baseline data generation to encourage exploration activities for the development of mining sector. Exploration in India is mostly limited to a depth of 50 to 100 metre as compared to 300 metres in countries such as Australia.
If India's global ranking in production of minerals is an indication, it would not be wrong to say that economies of other countries are growing due to sustainable mining and have been successful in addressing unemployment and poverty issues. We being a country of huge mineral reserves and resources are lagging behind because we are still struggling to implement even the existing policies.
Self-declaration, simple policies and quick decisions are required to promote the mining sector. Policies of self-accountability with provision of stringent punishment will deter mining companies from doing anything wrong.
In India, even for obtaining mining lease, it takes minimum 1 years' time, which can be extended even to more than 5 years, as compared to just 30 days in Canada and 60 days in Australia.
If the government wants to be a regulator and not the owner, then it should give a substantial space for the industries to develop the mining sector.
The fact is that we are already years behind, since mine development itself takes about 3-5 years and further setting up smelters for processing these minerals takes another 2-3 years, even if we start today, we would be able to achieve some results only by 2022.
To `Make in India' we have to `Mine in India' and if we can do this, we would be able to address large unemployment issues.
The strategic plan document by Ministry of Mines has very impressively highlighted improvement in the functioning of GSI, IBM, R&D projects and Human Resource Development as few of the key areas.
The demand of minerals will grow 4-5 times over the next 12-15 years against a backdrop of globally decreasing resources. There would be a huge demand for the metals in view of the rapid urbanization and growth in the manufacturing sector.
The mining sector aspires to contribute 7-8% to India's GDP and if this happens, India would realize a GDP of 9% in the coming years. This is expected to create at least 25 million jobs, directly and indirectly.
But, above all, India will have an edge over other countries in terms of exports of these minerals, employment generation, eradication of poverty and taking a leadership position in the mining sector.

By Sunil Duggal
CEO, Hindustan Zinc

CHAIRMAN'S VISIT TO YPO, JAIPUR AND HZL, UDAIPUR

Chairman, Vedanta Group - Mr. Anil Agarwal was in Jaipur to address the YPO members (Young Presidents’ Organization) on 8th December 2017. 

He also visited Udaipur and interacted with over 60 employees including senior management of Hindustan Zinc in a workshop on 9th December 2017.

It was a memorable day filled with energy, enthusiasm and inspired all the employees.

He also met the special children of Jeevan Tarang.

6th BATCH OF 120 ITI/DIPLOMA PASS-OUTS HAS JOINED HINDUSTAN ZINC MINING ACADEMY

ITI/Diploma pass-outs to get training in Jumbo Drill Operations under 18 months Residential Program …

The mining sector has the potential to create hundreds of thousands of jobs in the country thus eradicating poverty at large. Indian natural resource industry has seen significant change in the last 10 years in terms of technology, employment generation, metal production and attracting best of Indian and global talent that includes engineers and management graduates.

Being a responsible metal and mining company, Hindustan Zinc has set-up ‘Hindustan Zinc Mining Academy’, in collaboration with Skill Council for Mining Sector (SCMS) and training partner Indian Institute of Skill Development Pvt. Ltd (IISD) to train about 500 ITI/diploma  pass-outs in five years in Jumbo Drill Operations and Winding Engine Operations to enhance employment opportunities of eligible youth of Rajasthan.

Hindustan Zinc Mining Academy is now commencing its 6th Batch of ‘Jumbo Drill Operator Training Program’ with an inaugural function on 3^rd January, 2018 at Railmagra Centre, Rajsamand wherein 120 select ITI/Diploma pass-outs will be trained under this 18 months residential program. The Chief Guest of the event was Kastoor Meena – Site President, Rajpura Dariba Complex who encouraged candidates to work hard with focus, dedication and discipline in Academy to have a secure future.

Hindustan Zinc Mining Academy has three Centres running at Bhilwara, Rajsamand and Zawar near Udaipur with candidates from all over Rajasthan. All Academy centres run in a professional manner with inbuilt monthly monitoring systems. Since the course is residential, the academy has a provision for free boarding and lodging facilities for all the selected candidates in all training programs.

Earlier, Hindustan Zinc has commenced  5 batches of 18 month long Jumbo Drill Operator Training for ITI/Diploma pass-outs and in Winding Engine Operator Training Program where 47 ITI/Diploma pass-outs were enrolled and their eight months training got completed in October 2017. Besides Winding Engine Training, these candidates are also being given exposure in Banks-men and Bellman Operations.

Recently, the company organized placement drive for these students and 136 passing-out students got jobs with an average package of Rs. 25,000/- per month. Hindustan Zinc’s business partners have come together to employ these trained youths and use them for their different operations.

Pavan Kaushik – Head Corporate Communication, HZL said “with the setting up of India’s perhaps first Mining Academy, Hindustan Zinc is developing an ecosystem and contributing in unlocking India’s potential in mining. This is certainly going to enhance India’s capability in skilling of people in mining space and putting India on growth path”.

Also present were, Sanjay Sharma – AVP, HZL, Sajany Kathod – Unit Head, RDM, Sunil Dixit – Commercial Head, RDC, Abhay Gautam – Head CSR, RDC, Mr. Ravi Gupta – Training HR Head, Deepak Gakhreja  - Location HR Head, Deepak Mishra from SCMS, Anshuk Talwar  from M/s IISD and other dignitaries during the event.