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.

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

HINDUSTAN ZINC RECEIVES DUN & BRADSTREET CORPORATE AWARD 2017

Hindustan Zinc received the Dun & Bradstreet Corporate Award 2017 under the Non-Ferrous & Precious Metals category in a glittering function held in Mumbai on 1^st June 2017.

This is the 9^th consecutive win for Hindustan Zinc in the category. The award was presented by Mr. Arjun Ram Meghwal, Honourable Minister of State for Finance & Corporate Affairs, Government of India.

Mr. Vijay Jayarama Murthy - Head, Marketing received the Award on behalf of Hindustan Zinc.

HINDUSTAN ZINC TO PAY SPECIAL DIVIDEND OF RS. 13,985 CRORE

The Board of Directors of Hindustan Zinc has declared a special one-time interim dividend of 1375% i.e. Rs. 27.50 on every equity share of Rs. 2, entailing an outflow of Rs. 13,985 Crore including dividend distribution tax (DDT) on 22nd March, 2017. The record date for the dividend will be March 30, 2017.

Together with the Golden Jubilee dividend paid in April 2016 and the interim dividend paid in October 2016, the aggregate dividend being paid by Hindustan Zinc during this financial year will be Rs. 27,157 Crore including DDT, which is the largest dividend outflow by any company in India in a single financial year. Of this, Rs. 11,259 Crore will go to the Government. 

Agnivesh Agarwal - Chairman, HZL said, “We are pleased to reward our shareholders with a special dividend, which reflects the Company's confidence in its continued robust performance and demonstrates our commitment towards delivering value for our shareholders. Since disinvestment by the Government in 2002, the cumulative dividends paid by the Company, including the current special dividend, is Rs. 37,517 Crore including dividend distribution tax.”

RDM AWARDED DURING THE MINES ENVIRONMENT & MINERAL CONSERVATION WEEK

Rajpura Dariba Mines participated in 17th Mines Environment and Mineral Conservation Week 2016-17 and came first in various categories like Afforestation, Publicity and Propaganda, Reclamation & Rehabilitation, Mineral Conservation and Overall Performance and also received the second prize in Sustainable Development. The closing ceremony was held on 22nd January, 2017 wherein Rajpura Dariba Mines was felicitated with a trophy for its Overall Performance by Mr. R.K. Sinha - Controller, India Bureau of Mines, Nagpur.

SAFETY TOWN HALL MEETING AT HZL

Safety Town Hall Meeting was organized on 4th March, 2017 wherein all Units along with marketing offices, including Head Office joined the live interaction. Mr. Sunil Duggal - CEO, HZL, Mr. Amitabh Gupta - CFO, HZL, Mr. Naveen Singhal - Director Projects and Mr. Laxman Shekhawat - COO Mines addressed about 2000 employees and contract workers and recently joined GETs. The Town Hall was conducted from Udaipur from the auditorium emphasizing on safety both on-site & off-site. The Town Hall also saw interactive session wherein several employees from each location asked questions and gave suggestions towards improving safety.

HINDUSTAN ZINC TO INVEST IN SETTING UP 115 MW SOLAR ENERGY PLANTS IN RAJASTHAN

Commissioning of 15 MW by March and 100 MW by September, 2017.

The Head Office of Hindustan Zinc at Udaipur currently runs on solar energy

Taking forward Hon'ble Prime Minister ‐ Shri Narendra Modi's vision to expand renewable energy in India, Hindustan Zinc, a Vedanta group company in zinc, lead and silver business and India's only integrated producer of zinc‐lead is entering into solar energy business. The company already produces 474 MW of thermal power and 274 MW of wind‐energy.

The Indian government has a strong focus on non‐conventional energy sources and is looking to ultimately produce 100 GW power from solar energy. Hindustan Zinc has been working progressively towards setting up 115 MW of solar energy projects with an investment of Rs. 630 crores.

Mr. Sunil Duggal ‐ CEO, HZL informed that in the first phase, the Company will set‐up of 15 MW solar energy projects which would require an investment of Rs. 80 crores and is likely to be commissioned by March, 2017. The second phase would be of 100 MW requiring an investment of Rs. 550 crore which is likely to be commissioned by September, 2017. The average cost of setting‐up 1 MW of solar energy plant is about Rs. 5.50 crore.

"The energy produced will be utilized for captive use only. Out of 15 MW, 10 MW solar power projects will be installed at Zinc Smelter Debari and remaining 5 MW will be installed at Rajpura Dariba Mine of Hindustan Zinc" Mr. Sunil Duggal added.

The 5 MW solar power project at Rajpura Dariba Mine would be the 1st such project in the District of Rajsamand in Rajasthan. The 10 MW project also would be the largest solar energy project in the District of Udaipur.

The company also produces 274 MW of Wind Power in its green energy farms located in Gujarat, Karnataka, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra.

Hindustan Zinc has already installed solar roof top projects with a capacity of 100 KW each at Head Office‐Udaipur and at Chanderiya Lead Zinc Smelter in January, 2016. The company is also looking to develop solar energy projects in other parts of Rajasthan.

CHAIRMAN VISITS HINDUSTAN ZINC: 28TH - 30TH APRIL, 2016

DUN & BRADSTREET AWARD 2016 AWARDED TO HINDUSTAN ZINC IN NON-FERROUS & PRECIOUS METALS CATEGORY

For the 8^th consecutive year Hindustan Zinc has received ‘Dun & Bradstreet Corporate Award 2016’ in ‘Non-Ferrous & Precious Metals’ Category in a glittering function organized in Mumbai on 31st May, 2016.  The award was presented by Dr. Bibek Debroy - Permanent Member NITI Ayog, who was the Chief Guest, and Shri Anil Swarup - IAS, Secretary - Ministry of Coal, Government of India, who was the Guest of Honour.

Mr. Hemendra Sharma - AVP(Finance) received the award on behalf of Hindustan Zinc.

INCOME TAX DEPARTMENT RECEIVES RS. 2065 CRORE DIVIDEND TAX FROM HINDUSTAN ZINC

As part of dividend tax in view of the recently declared 1200% dividend by Hindustan Zinc, the Income Tax Department received Rs. 2065 crore from the Company on 12^th April, 2016. A symbolic cheque of Rs. 2065 crore was presented to Chief Commissioner of Income Tax Smt. Neena Kumar today by Hindustan Zinc CEO Sunil Duggal and company’s CFO Amitabh Gupta. Also present on this occasion were the Additional Commissioner of Income Tax O.P. Kanther, Director Projects of HZL Naveen Singhal and Head of Corporate Communication Pavan Kaushik.

Amitabh Gupta, the CFO of Hindustan Zinc informed that the Company has recently announced 1200% dividend, Rs. 24 on a share of Rs. 2, which entailed an outflow of Rs,. 12,205 crore including dividend tax, the actual dividend being 10,141 crore. The government share of dividend was about Rs. 3000 crore, as the government possesses  29% in Hindustan Zinc.  A cheque in this regard was presented by Hindustan Zinc to the Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on 11^th April 2016. 

GOVERNMENT RECEIVES RS. 5059 CRORE DIVIDEND (INCL TAX) FROM HINDUSTAN ZINC

HZL’s Special Golden Jubilee dividend of Rs 12,205 crore (including DDT) to the shareholders is second highest ever in the country after Coal India. Mr. Sunil Duggal CEO Hindustan Zinc Limited presented a dividend cheque of Rs 2,995 crore to Hon’ble Finance Minister Shri Arun Jaitley and the then Steel and Mines Minister Shri Narendra Singh Tomar on 11th April, 2016. The dividend was paid on account of Government of India’s residual stake of 29.54% in HZL (an erstwhile central public sector enterprise).
Secretary (Revenue) Dr. Hasmukh Adhia, Secretary (Mines) Shri Balvinder Kumar, Mr. Tom Albanese, Group CEO, Vedanta, Mr. Tarun Jain, Group Finance Director Vedanta, Mr. Amitabh Gupta, CFO, Hindustan Zinc and other senior officials of Ministries of Finance and Mines were also present on the occasion.
The highest ever dividend by a private company to the Government of India. 

SAFETY TOWN HALL MEETING AT HZL

For retreating importance and necessity of Safety culture within the organization, Hindustan Zinc conducted a 90-minute Town-Hall Meeting for the first time on Safety on 22nd March, 2016 attended by over 2700 employees including a majority of workmen and contract workers.

The Town-Hall organized at the auditorium of Head Office, Udaipur was addressed by Senior Management comprising – Mr. Sunil Duggal - CEO, Mr. Amitabh Gupta - CFO, Mr. Naveen Singhal - Director Projects, Mr. Vikas Sharma – COO Smelters, Mr. Laxman Shekhawat – COO Mines, Mr. Dilip Pattanayak - Head HR, Mr. Ramakrishnan Kasinath – Head Commercial and Mr. V. Jayaraman – Head EOHS emphasizing on day-to-day safety on site and daily lives. Besides answering the queries of the employees, Sr. Management also invited their suggestions. CEO emphasized for immediate implementation of few actions such as regular site visit by senior management, involvement of families in safety activities, risk identification and its mitigation and involvement of workmen and contract workers to improve Safety Management System.

ROAD SAFETY WEEK CELEBRATION AT HZL

Road Safety week was celebrated from 10th - 17th January, 2016 across all the units of Hindustan Zinc. The major activities undertaken during this celebration included Maha - Hastakshar Abhiyan for getting promises on safe driving and following the traffic rules, safety interaction with drivers, Roko Toko Abhiyan at parking areas, Pollution Under Control (PUC) camps, street shows, defensive and safe driving training , super bikes rally under the banner ‘Ride for Road Safety’. Various safety related competitions such as quiz, slogan, essay writing, quiz were also organized for all employees including contract workers and their families.

RAM AWARDED DURING MINE ENVIRONMENT AND MINERAL CONSERVATION WEEK 2015-16

Rampura Agucha Mine received various prizes in Mine Environment and Mineral Conservation Week 2015-16 under aegis of IBM Ajmer region. 1st in overall performance in Mechanized Open Cast Mine Group- I, 2nd in overall performance in Mechanized Underground Mine Group- II, 1st in Noise, Vibration Survey & General Aesthetics - Open Cast Mine Group-I, 1st in Reclamation and Rehabilitation in Mechanized Open Cast mine Group- I, 1st in Afforestation in Mechanized Open Cast mine Group- I and Underground mine group –II, 1st in Community development in Mechanized Underground Mine Group- II and 2nd in Environment Protection measures Mechanized Underground Mine Group- II.

HINDUSTAN ZINC APPLAUDED FOR SUSTAINABLE PLUS PLATINUM LABEL

Hindustan Zinc has been applauded for the Sustainability Practices and has been recognized with Sustainability Plus Platinum Label (A rating – Score 75.38) by CII. Hindustan Zinc is one of 100 companies who were analysed on Environment, Social and Governance parameters and based on the scores company has received Sustainability Plus Label. Ten companies got Sustainable Plus Platinum, seven got Sustainable Plus Gold, and the remaining 83 companies got Sustainable Plus Bronze.

Sustainable Plus, world’s first and only corporate sustainable label is CII's initiative to provide a brand identity tool to companies to communicate to various stakeholders that they are a sustainable company. It is based on comprehensive ESG analysis of companies which helps them to measure performance as well as identify risk that challenge sustainability of their business. CII’s Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Development (CESD) launched Sustainable Plus in 2012 to provide a brand identity tool to companies to communicate to various stakeholders that they are sustainable, responsible and well-governed as well as to enable them to improve their sustainability performance. The label is unique in a manner that a business association’s innovation has led to creation of a product that has the potential to compel its members in becoming more sustainable and therefore competitive.

·         Third party credibility to Sustainability Initiatives

·         Fosters Innovation in Supply Chain

·         Improve brand image & brand differentiation

·         Ease of recognition by consumers

·         Improves Sustainability Performance

Rajasthan Govt. Adopts Mobile Office Approach to Reach Remote Tribal Villages

Hindustan Zinc, A Vedanta Group company, donates a specially designed bus fitted with most modern amenities to the Govt.

For the first time in India such type of exclusive bus has been designed to reach rural tribal population

Rajasthan Govt. has adopted a unique approach to reach remote villages in deep rural & tribal areas to address their problems and provide help on location. In this regard, Hindustan Zinc, the largest company in Rajasthan and Vedanta Group company in zinc-lead-silver business, has come forward and got developed an exclusive custom designed bus, which is fully air-conditioned, and fitted with 9 cubicals, latest computer systems & servers and other necessary equipments. The bus is also fitted with over wings which once open will provide shelters to visiting villagers. There is a large 70 inches plasma screen fitted on the back of the bus which will project various schemes and programs being introduced by the Government of Rajasthan.

The District Collector of Udaipur Shri Hemant Gera informed the gathering that this bus is a medium of government reaching rural masses specially tribal population of Kotda Block in Udaipur in Rajasthan and resolve their problems in their villages itself. This is perhaps first of its kind approach in the country where the government has adopted this method to reach out to remote tribal villagers where the poor villagers are unable to travel to government offices or address their issues. The officials of Revenue Deptt; Rural Development, Panchayati Raj & Education; Agriculture, Veterinary, Women & ICDS; Social Welfare Deptt.; District Supply Office; Public Health Engineering Deptt and Ajmer Vidyoot Vitaran Nigam; Health Deptt, and SDM, BDO & Tehsildar, would be travelling in this bus to address the issues of rural people. The bus also has a Registration Counter and free distribution of medicines under `Chief Minister Free Medicine Distribution' program, he informed.

Initially the bus would reach out to 262 remote tribal villages, covering 31 Gram Panchayats of block Kotda in Rajasthan. The bus would make trip with all the concerned officers once every week, most likely Thursday, in one of the 31 Gram Panchayats in Block Kotda. There would be preparation done before the bus reaches a Gram Panchayat by the various village committees and block development officers in respect to knowing the problems of the villagers, so that there could be speedy resolutions.

The Mobile Office Bus will also be used for providing other relief to the tribal villagers in need of emergency. We would be able to make good doctors visit tribal villages for organizing health camps, Shri Hemant Gera said. The entire exercise in villages would be recorded through CCTV camera which would be reviewed by higher authority in the Govt. to ascertain the objective of this initiative. Shri Gera also thanked Hindustan Zinc for coming forward with their support to develop such bus.

Shri Akhilesh Joshi, the Chief Operating Officer of Hindustan Zinc informed that this Mobile Office Bus approach will be useful for villagers specially who find it difficult to approach the government machinery or who are some how unable to get their issues addressed. Hindustan Zinc has always been in front to adopt community welfare programs under its CSR initiatives, meant for the benefit of rural poor. Vedanta has always been working in close association with State Government and Government of India towards implementing various community service initiative.

The keys of the bus was handed over by the Chief Operating Officer of Hindustan Zinc, Shri Akhilesh Joshi to the Udaipur District Collector, Shri Hemant Gera.

Vedanta brings ray of hope for cancer patients in India

Vedanta is building a 360 bedded " Vedanta Cancer Hospital and Research Centre" in Raipur, Chattisgarh. This hospital is coming at a cost of Rs. 350 crore with 20% bed space for BPL.

Going by the reports of Cancer Foundation of India, it is estimated that at any given point of time there are 2.0 to 2.5 million cancer cases requiring cancer treatment in India and there is an increment of 10,000 new cancer cases ever year.

WHO report categorically mentions Cancer as a leading cause of death worldwide.

The disease accounted for 7.4 million deaths, or around 13% of all deaths worldwide, in 2004. More than 70% of all cancer deaths occurred in low and middle-income countries. Deaths from cancer worldwide are projected to continue rising, with an estimated 12 million deaths in 2030. As per WHO’s prediction by the year 2010 itself, cancer will overtake cardiac diseases and become the No. 1 killer.

It is well documented that more than 70% of disease burden is related to life-style factors such as food & beverage practices, personal habits, infections, tobacco consumption to name a few. In addition, urbanization, industrialization and increasing life-span are also known to influence the cancer pattern globally.

Taking the note of gravity of situation in India, Vedanta Group laid the foundation of “Vedanta Cancer Hospital and Research Centre” in August 2007. This 360 bedded hospital is being built on 50 acre of land with an estimated cost of over Rs. 350 crore. Once fully operational, it will employ about 125 doctors and 300 nurses besides a number of para-medical and non medical staff.

Taking special care for the under-privileged, Vedanta will be keeping 20% of the bed space for BPL families. The hospital is being built on self-sustainable basis with special concession and facilities to poor families.

Assessing the magnitude of rising cases, Vedanta Group has already started working towards the cause. Voluntary camps are being organized in remote villages and special mobile vans equipped with ultra modern equipments are screening the suspected patients on regular basis. So far about 40 such camps have been conducted in 500 villages covering 160,000 people in 28,000 house-holds. In these camps 3,125 cases were registered (May 2010) out of which 516 were suspected cases and 155 cases were confirmed cancer cases. Out of 155, 60 patients were identified for further treatment. 22 surgeries have been performed at BALCO Hospital, Chattisgarh, and build by BALCO, a Vedanta group company in aluminium business in Chattisgarh.

The cancer hospital project would be completed in two phases. The first phase of the Vedanta Cancer Hospital Project at Raipur is slated for completion in November 2011. In this Phase-I the hospital would become operative with 100 beds. Vedanta has already underlined capex expenditure of Rs. 200 crore for this year.

“Vedanta Cancer Hospital and Research Centre” will also have five satellite centres, located at strategic locations covering 16 districts of Chattisgarh to cover a large number people for screening and for further treatment.

The “Vedanta Cancer Hospital and Research Centre” will provide state-of-the-art facilities to Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Orissa besides Chattisgarh.

In the first phase, the hospital is expected to look after 4,000 - 6,000 patients and once it becomes fully operational it is expected to cater to about 15,000 patients.

As per the data of WHO, the cancer problem needs a focused and dedicated attention. “Vedanta Cancer Hospital and Research Centre” will come up as a big relief for the treatment of cancer and provide state-of-the-art treatment to people at large.

Vedanta Hindustan Zinc Heart Hospital in Udaipur

Hindustan Zinc to up-grade 'Vedanta Hindustan Zinc Heart Hospital' in Udaipur, Rajasthan.

An MOU to upgrade the "Vedanta Hindustan Zinc Heart Hospital", Udaipur was signed recently between Hindustan Zinc and Rajasthan government in the presence of Hon'ble Chief Minister of Rajasthan, Shri Ashok Ji Gehlot. The MOU in this regard was signed, on behalf of Government of Rajasthan by Mr. C.M. Meena, Principle. Secretary (Medical Education) and Mr. Akhilesh Joshi, COO, Hindustan Zinc. Hon'ble Chief Minister highly appreciated the work being done by Hindustan Zinc in the field of Corporate Social Responsibility in Rajasthan.

Under the MOU, Vedanta Group company Hindustan Zinc would contribute Rs. 10 crore for the up-gradation of the said hospital. The Government of Rajasthan would meet the annual recurring expenditure required for full use of the facilities created in the 'Vedanta Hindustan Zinc Heart Hospital', Udaipur.

This hospital was built by Hindustan Zinc with the expenditure of Rs. 6.5 crore in the year 1999. Dr. S.K.Kaushik, Principal RNT Medical College, who was also present on the occasion informed that "with the time the number of patients have increased and thus the facilities also needed to be increased. With contribution of Rs. 10 crore by Hindustan Zinc, the facilities would now double and we would be able to look after much more patients." 'Vedanta Hindustan Zinc Heart Hospital' after the up-gradation will have 90 or more beds, 2 Units for cardiology and 1 unit for Cardio Thoracic Vascular Surgery.

A Project Management Committee has also been constituted under the Chairmanship of District Collector, Udaipur, Mr. Anand Kumar, to implement, monitor the progress and co-ordinate all the project related activities. The Committee will also have Dr. S.K.Kaushik, Principal RNT Medical College, and Mr. Ahmar Sultan, Associate Vice President, Hindustan Zinc as members.

The MOU ceremony was attended by Chief Secretary of Government of Rajasthan - Mr. T. Srinivasan, Principle Secretary (Finance) Mr. C.K.Mathew, Principle Secretary (to CM) - Mr. Srimat Pandey, Principle Secretary (PWD) - Mr. Dinesh Kumar Goyal, and the District Collector -Udaipur Mr. Anand Kumar. Mr. S.L. Bajaj CFO and Mr. A. Sultan AVP-CSR were present from Hindustan Zinc.

Hindustan Zinc, through CSR,is impacting the lives of more than 500,000 people in about 200 villages in the areas of health, education, livelihood, sanitation, drinking water and various infrastructure development activities, in the State of Rajasthan.

Konkola Copper Mines (KCM) - Empowering the Luano Community

Konkola Copper Mines (KCM), a company of Vedanta group in copper business is the largest copper producer in Zambia. The company is equally committed in bringing social and economic empowerment in the region. One community KCM has been focusing is, Luano community.

Chingola’s Luano area is about 22 km from the town centre and its main community occupation is farming. The economic condition of the community living in Luano are far from being satisfactory. The community struggles to just manage the basic necessities like salt, money for milling their maize and paying the school fees. Most of the members of this community are not connected to the national power grid, have lower literacy levels and poor road network. The biggest challenge is to find exactly what may suit the targeted community and the general climate for the projects. Yet there is nothing that may perfectly suit this rural community than farming projects.

To avoid creating any dependence, KCM spent over K53 million (more than USD 10,000) to source 300 goats for 100 families on condition that they pass on the first offspring to other needy families belonging to the same cooperative and who are on the waiting list. The goat passing-on project is aimed at reducing poverty levels among the non-mining community of miners.

One would wonder how KCM identified such a remote community to access its corporate social responsibility (CSR) funds. KCM manager for CSR Ms. Sampa Chitah explained that KCM had been working with the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives to help in finding the needy communities. This has helped in breaking the chains of dependency. Over the years, the animals reproduce, leading to a greater supply of surplus products for the generation of income.

Ms Chitah said the Luano goat draft project was among many programmes KCM was undertaking. Others are sustainable livelihood programmes, mentorship of widows of former miners and support rendered to Mutende and Luwi orphanages.

The sustainability of the projects was highlighted by Chingola veterinary officer, Mr. Peter Kabungo, who urged farmers never to break the chain of recipients because through the draft goat project, the people of Luano could help families to become accountable to each other and restore their dignity and self-respect.

Dr. Kabungo said Government is happy with KCM’s quick response to the call made at the Copperbelt Agriculture and Commercial Show in which the Government appealed for diversification as noticed from the theme ‘Productivity in Adversity’. He said this was a call to diversify overdependence from copper to other minerals and agriculture for sustainability.

Dr. Kabungo also added, in conclusion, that stakeholders and the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives should ensure that the farmers are helped with the needed chemicals and the Ministry of Agriculture in the district is to be in constant touch with the farmers.