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 - 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

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.

ECONOMIC TIMES - HINDUSTAN ZINC SETS UP MINING ACADEMY TO TRAIN YOUTH

http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/indl-goods/svs/metals-mining/hindustan-zinc-sets-up-mining-academy-to-train-youth/articleshow/58895712.cms

KOLKATA: Hindustan Zinc (HZL) has set up a mining academy to train youth in mining. The company will invest Rs 30 crore in next 5 years to train some 500 personnel in response to a growing need for skilled technical manpower in the country’s natural resources... sector.

The latter has been attracting best of talent among engineers and management trainees in the last 10 years, including a growing number of women who are joining the fray. A number of international experts have joined at key positions to explore natural resources, to improve metal recovery and build a future of sustainable mining. This lead HZL to identify areas in under-ground mining where need of skilled manpower is being felt. Two distinct roles that of Jumbo Drill Operator and Winding Engine Operators were identified, both positions that are currently being fulfilled by expats.

HZL thus decided to set up what is perhaps the first Mining Academy that would train ITI pass-outs in Jumbo Drill Operations and in Winding Engine Operations, who would also have training in Banks-men and Bellman Operations.

The academy has been set-up in collaboration with Skill Council for Mining Sector and training partner Indian Institute of Skill Development Pvt. Ltd. Commenting on the initiative, Sunil Duggal, CEO, HZL said: “The prime objective of setting up the Mining Academy in Rajasthan is to enhance employability of eligible youth. Hindustan Zinc completely endorses Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s thoughts on the scope of creating employment for millions in natural resources sector. The academy would provide an opportunity to ITI pass-outs, who are below the age of 30 years and academically qualified to operate after thorough training. These trainees are also given a monthly stipend of Rs 2000 to Rs 7000, linked to their performance. Currently, the training centres are in Bhilwara, Rajsamand and Zawar near Udaipur.

NATIONAL ENERGY CONSERVATION AWARD - 2016 TO RAM

RAM Mill Stream‐3 won National Energy Conservation Award – 2016 at State and Central levels in
appreciation of implementation of various power saving projects for reducing the specific energy consumption by 4.81 KWH/MT of ore treatment. On the occasion of National Energy Conservation Day i.e., on 14th December, 2016, RAM Mill Stream‐3 won the 2nd Prize in Mining sector at Central Level and the 1st Prize in Large Scale Mining Sector at the State Level. The National Energy Conservation Award was presented by Shri Piyush Goyal ‐ Minister of State for Power, Coal, New & Renewable Energy and Mines, Mr. P.K. Pujari – Secretary, Ministry of Power, Govt. of India, Mr. B.P. Paney ‐ Special Secretary, Ministry of Power & Director General Bureau of Energy Efficiency at the event held in New Delhi. Mr. J. Balasubramanian and Mr. Akhilesh Kumar from Rampura Agucha Mines received the awards on behalf of Hindustan Zinc.