FINANCIAL CHRONICLE - THE SILVER MINING BY SUNIL DUGGAL - CEO, HZL

If we add the amount of solar energy that is absorbed by the earth's atmosphere, land and oceans every year, we end up with approximately 3,850,000 EJ (exajoules or 10^18 joules). To put it in more understandable terms, this amount of energy is equivalent to: 2.7 million earthquakes of the same size as the Tohoku earthquake in Japan (2011); 40,000 times the total energy consumption in the United States; 8,000 times the total consumption in the whole world; 40 per cent of the energy that is required to heat the entire volume of water we have on earth by 1°Celsius. Every square metre of our planet receives around 1,366 watts of direct solar radiation.
In America, one solar panel system is installed every four minutes. NASA is currently working on a solar-powered aircraft.
Globally, California is home to the largest solar power plant in the world, located in the Mojave Desert. It spans 1,000 acres. California also dominates the solar power market, with a market share of 44 per cent in 2015. California, Arizona, and North Carolina are the top three US states for solar power, based on the amount of cumulative solar electric capacity installed. There are now nine states in the US where 100 per cent of new electrical energy comes from solar power. In terms of employment generation, more than 200,000 Americans currently work in the solar power industry. That number is expected to climb to 420,000 by 2020.
India is currently 100 per cent importer of solar parts where Silver is used. The major countries from where it is being imported are China and Japan. Taking forward the vision of our prime minister Narendra Modi to produce 100 GW of solar energy by 2022, and producing solar parts, India's consumption of Silver will be all set to increase by about 4,000 tonnes. It is also true that 40 tonnes of Silver is required to produce panels that would generate 1GW of solar power.
Technically speaking, Silver is a primary ingredient in photovoltaic cells, and 90 per cent of crystalline silicon photovoltaic cells use Silver paste. When sunlight hits the silicon cell it generates electrons. The Silver used in the cell works as a conductor to collect these electrons in order to form a useful electric current. The Silver then transports the electricity out of the cell so that it can be used. Further, the conductive nature of Silver enhances the reflection of the sunlight to improve the energy that is collected. Therefore, if it wasn't for Silver, solar wouldn't be as efficient in turning sunlight into energy.

But, where is the Silver in India. Have we explored Silver in India? Silver is giving jitters to the increasing solar demand in India. Silver is found in zinc-lead mines and there has been no new large mine explored in India in over a decade. Exploring a mine takes its own time and developing a mine takes 3-5 years. Either we rely on imports or we develop our own resources is the decision that India needs to take.
India is the largest consumer and importer of Silver in the world, having a share of about 21 per cent of global Silver demand though it produces only 6-8 per cent of its consumption requirement. The current Silver import in India is touching 7,000 tonnes and here in India we produce close to 500 tonnes which maximum can be extended to 1,000 tonnes in coming 3-5 years, with expansion of Hindustan Zinc mines that produces over 95 per cent of India's Silver. Globally, the highest usage of Silver is industrial fabrication (55 per cent), followed by coins and bars (20 per cent) and jewellery (20 per cent) and lastly Silverware (5 per cent). In India, the highest usage of Silver is jewellery (38 per cent), followed by coins and bars (22 per cent) and lastly Silverware (20 per cent) and industrial fabrication (20 per cent), as per World Silver Institute.
As compared to the world, India has been slow towards utilisation of Silver for industrial usage with mere 20 per cent, as compared to global usage. Though we are growing in terms of utilisation of Silver in jewellery and Silverware, the real boost will come with digital India and development of domestic solar energy market where Silver will be used.
Silver's industrial role is much more than that of gold's and it is for this reason that a shortage of Silver will have higher negative implications than there would be if there was a shortage of Gold. 

HINDUSTAN ZINC’S TRANSITION TO A FULLY UNDER-GROUND MINING COMPANY BY FY 2019

India's only and the world's second largest integrated zinc producing company, Hindustan Zinc, is all set to become a fully underground mining company by year 2019.
Rampura Agucha Mine of Hindustan Zinc, the world's second largest zinc producing mine and responsible for 75% of company's total output, is gradually moving from open-cast to underground mine operations. The company is expected to close the open-cast mining operations by 2019 and would operate only under-ground mine. The 955 meters depth shaft sinking work at Rampura Agucha Mine has already been completed and commissioned.
In the year 2016-17, Rampura Agucha mine produced ore both from open-cast and under-ground mine. The contribution of open-cast was 3.3 million tonnes and under-ground as 1.4 million tonnes. Rampura Agucha mine ore production capacity is expected to reach about 4.50 million tonnes by 2019-20. The ore production capacity of Rampura Agucha mine as on 31st March 2017 stands as 6.15 million tonnes.
According to the metals and mining analyst, the grade at Rampura Agucha open cast mine is 13 percent and the under-ground mine would be also similar. Globally the average grade varies between 3-6 percent and that gives a huge advantage to Hindustan Zinc in global market.  Even the cost of production of Hindustan Zinc, which is about $ 800 per tonne, is 30 percent lower than that of the global peers.
Hindustan Zinc is on its way towards transition to a fully underground mining company with next generation of technology. This transition will be completed either by the end of current financial year or maximum by early next year. Certainly the production level at open cast mine are much easier when compared to underground mine and initially we are expecting the production levels to be slightly challenging at Rampura Agucha. But since they are ramping up all the other mines, they are well placed to meet the requirements of their smelters and also the production levels. Gradually, the production level at Rampura Agucha under-ground mine will pick-up and will further support the expansion plans.
This transition is part of series of systematic decision and this is the reason they have already speeded up expansion in our other underground mines to ensure that the overall mine production is not impacted.
By 2019-20, Hindustan Zinc will be expanding its all mines to meet the growing demand. Rajpura Dariba mine is being expanded to 1.5 million tonnes from the current capacity of 0.9 million tonnes. The silver rich Sindesar Khurd mine is being expanded from the current capacity of 4 million tonnes to 6 million tonnes. Zawar mines are all set to reach the capacity of 2.5 million tonnes from 1.8 million tonnes in the current financial year and subsequently to 4.5 million tonnes in next 3 years. The company's Kayad mine in Ajmer has ore production capacity of 1 million tonnes and efforts are being made to expand this mine as well.
The shaft sinking work has been completed at Sindesar Khurd mine which has reached the depth of 1050 meters and a new mill of 1.5 mtpa capacity has already been commissioned last year to support the enhanced ore production at Sindesar Khurd mine. The Company is also setting up Fumer Plant to further improve recovery of metals from the slag.
Though ore production capacity of all the mines put together is 12.20 mtpa, the actual ore production in the year 2016-17 was 11.87 million tonnes. The company is aiming to expand the mine production levels to 13.10 mtpa in the current financial year and reaching to 17.50 mtpa in the next three years, i.e. by FY 2020.
Since disinvested in 2002, Hindustan Zinc has invested over USD 3 Billion towards its 4 phases of expansion programs to reach to metal production capacity of 1 million tonne and within three years the company is expected to expand the capacity of metal production to 1.2 million tonne an eventually to 1.5 million tonnes in the next 5 years.
The global zinc market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 3.96% during the period 2017-2021. The zinc consumption in India is too increasing every year and eventually the issue of corrosion in the new sectors like automobiles, railways, use of galvanised re-bars in coastal structures, electricity distribution network will also drive zinc consumption in India.
Agriculture is another area where zinc can improve the yield of crops since a large agriculture land in India is suffering from zinc deficiency which is not only impacting the mineral value in crops but also affected the overall production.
Hindustan Zinc is counted amongst the top 50 companies in all sectors in India. The company has high quality of grades of ore but also keeps tight control on the costs, best in class technology and substantial cash accruals to meet expansion plans.

HINDU BUSINESS LINE - WE NEED TO ‘GALVANISE’ THE ECONOMY

9^th August 2017 – Opinion Page

Galvanised steel will bolster rail safety. Cars and infra projects will suffer fewer corrosion and maintenance issues.

SUNIL DUGGAL  

Consumption of zinc has grown in India over time, helping sectors such as infrastructure, cosmetics, medicines, paints, rubber, surgical tools, plastics, textiles, soaps and batteries expand and grow. But corrosion losses impact India’s GDP considerably every year.

This can be checked if we promote galvanisation (cover metals with zinc) in construction. Western countries mandate the use of galvanising for steel structures used in building bridges, highways, airports, metro stations, railway stations, etc.

Zinc is the fourth most widely consumed metal in the world — after iron, aluminium and copper. Almost 50 per cent of the zinc mined across the world is used for galvanising, 17 per cent for zinc alloying, 17 per cent for brass and bronze making, 6 per cent in zinc semi-manufactures, 6 per cent in chemicals, and 4 per cent for other miscellaneous purposes.

India’s consumption of zinc is rising day by day as new sectors are being explored to take advantage of zinc. But its potential remains unrealised..

Coastal infrastructure

Use of Galvanised rebars in construction near coastal areas: Corrosion is one of the major reasons for deterioration of concrete structures built near coastal areas. Coastal salts coupled with humidity can corrode exposed metal surfaces and penetrate any opening in the building.

Coastal infrastructure within a range of 5 km is more prone to corrosions and becomes progressively worse closer to the marine source.

According to a study by the American Institute of Architects, it is essential to use hot dip galvanised steel to make such coastal infrastructure-decay resistant. Galvanised steel provides the much needed strength to rebars.

Auto sector

Use of galvanised car bodies: Globally there has been a discrepancy in using galvanised car bodies. Indian car manufacturers use about 3 per cent galvanised steel for cars manufactured and sold in the domestic market. However, they over 70 per cent galvanised steel in exports to markets in Europe, Asia and Africa.

Indian consumers don’t demand galvanised steel due to lack of awareness on the long term benefits of galvanised vehicles. 

Car makers in Europe, North America, Korea and Japan have been using galvanised steel for car body panels for decades and provide anti-corrosion and perforation warranties for a minimum of 10 years.

In India, the customers are advised to pay for extra coatings to protect the body of the car after purchase. More than 60 per cent of the cars in India have surface rust which reduces steel strength and the life of the car, leading to safety hazard.

Steel has been used to make automobiles since the early 1900s but corrosion resistance features became standard in vehicles beginning in the early 1980s when Japanese cars gained entrance to the US market.

Globally, the annual consumption of zinc for auto-bodies today is roughly 120,000 tonnes. There is almost no galvanised steel on Chinese-made vehicles except for exports from China by Volkswagen, General Motors and others which also means that 20 million cars in China are not using galvanised steel.

Globally, galvanised steel car bodies have been shown to experience minimal corrosion attack which protects the structural integrity and safety of the vehicle, improves the resale value, provides consumer protection due to anticipated warranty improvements by the car companies, lowers maintenance costs of under-body and structural components due to the use of zinc coated steel, and saves consumers the costs of after-market anti-corrosion treatments and annual inspections.

The railways

Corrosion of rails and fish plates: Galvanising of railway tracks would not only be a significant initiative towards safety of trains but would also give more life to the railway tracks. India’s rail tracks, spanning over 125,000 km, happen to be the world’s third largest. The annual loss due to pre-replacement of corroded rails is about Rs 440 crore. Many accidents have been attributed to fishplates. Not just the fish-plates, even the bolts need protection, protection from corrosion.

Experts have estimated losses of almost 4 per cent of GDP per year on account of corrosion which may be avoided if the railway tracks are galvanised. One of the significant aspects of railway track maintenance is the detection of corrosion and the replacement of corroded rails.

Corrosion reduces the life of rails to nearly half its expected life. The rails have a life of 800 gross million tonnes which works to approximately 12-13 years under normal traffic conditions in India. The shorter life of rails resulting from absence of galvanising increases track maintenance workload. Corrosion increases the pace of rails replacement and interferes with normal railway movement causing inconvenience to passengers and freight movers and revenue losses to the Railways. 

According to a site inspection carried out by the Commissioner of Railway Safety (eastern circle) PK Acharya, rusted rails could have caused derailment near Kanpur that left 146 people dead and over 200 injured. The International Zinc Association advocates that Indian Railways require corrosion- free tracks in case India is considering Bullet Trains.

Energy sector

Zinc powers the electricity distribution network: Since the advent of high voltage lines, hot-dip galvanised steel has been used in the electric utility market. Whether in a generation facility, substation, lattice tower, or renewable energy components, galvanised steel has been a backbone of any global economy.

According to a study by the American Iron and Steel Institute, close to 1 million steel distribution poles have been installed in the United States since 1998 and are being used by more than 600 US electric utilities. India might be having more poles but how many are galvanised is still to be assessed.

When India is looking ahead providing electricity in every village and progressively moving towards Smart Cities project, Digital India and Make in India, the very basis of infrastructure, the power transmission, needs to be protected for many years.

If these four sectors mandate to address the issue of corrosion and related safety, it would lead to not just efficiency and savings worth millions of dollars for the Indian economy, but also build long-lasting infrastructure. 

The writer is CEO of Hindustan Zinc.

FINANCIAL EXPRESS: REGULATORY FRAMEWORK: VEDANTA RESOURCES’ ANIL AGARWAL SAYS ‘CREATE AN UMBRELLA MINISTRY FOR NATURAL RESOURCES’

By Anil Agarwal I Published: May 15, 2017

Vedanta fully endorses the vision of Hon’ble Prime Minister of India Shri Narendra Modi Ji on utilization of immense human capital clubbed with natural resources of India for creation of millions of employment opportunities in India and making India a USD 5 trillion economy in the next few years.  A recent Morgan Stanley report also stated that with government policies and massive disruptive workforce Indian economy is well placed to reach USD 5 trillion mark by 2025.

The United States of the early to mid- 1900's has some striking parallels with the India of today. It was around this time that America began its journey towards becoming the world’s largest economy.

The biggest factors that propelled the growth and transformation of the US were technology, natural resources, manufacturing and private enterprise; a few men who dreamt big helped create the modern America. Andrew Carnegie, John Rockefeller, Cornelius Vanderbilt, J P Morgan and Henry Ford with their entrepreneurial spirit and innovative approach built businesses that helped make the transition to the modern industrial era. They laid the foundations of the American steel industry, oil and gas, natural resources and mining, manufacturing, finance and infrastructure building including roads, rail and ports.

America’s growth journey has some lessons for India. Both are large vibrant democracies with abundant natural resources. While America benefited from a large flow of immigrants in search of the American dream, India has a large population in the working age group. More importantly, like the US, India has people with entrepreneurial spirit who can visualize a new India and unleash its potential.

India is a country with one of the largest reserves of natural resources in the world, the transformational potential of India’s resources sector is immense. Over $1-Trillion treasure is waiting to be explored in India. An open and simple exploration policy for extraction of natural resources will make India an economic powerhouse that will have the potential to create millions of employment and eradicate poverty.

India’s current underutilization of resources tells almost an unbelievable story. Despite having a similar geology to North America, Latin America, Australia and South Africa, we produce only 20% of our natural resource requirements. The mineral exploration industry in countries such as Canada spends over $2 billion per annum in green-field exploration, whereas India spends less than $50 million. 

The scope is immense since Indian almost imports 100% oil, gold, fertilizers and even electronics.  

What surprises is the bauxite mining in India, a raw material used to make aluminium. In spite of rich reserves of over 3.5 billion tonnes, that can make India the top 5 aluminium producers in the world, India is not able to mine bauxite for the last over 35 years. India has failed to tap the large aluminium market, widely known as a green metal, and lost out to countries like China that fully imports the raw material. Even with 3.5 billion tonnes of bauxite, which is the third largest reserve of bauxite in the world, India only manages an annual production less than 2 million tonnes of aluminium. In contrast, China that has no reserves of bauxite but produces about 20 million tonnes of aluminium annually.

The story is similar in the case of iron ore. Given our reserve level, we are in a position to produce quantities matching Brazil’s and Australia’s, which produce in the range of 600 million tonnes per annum. Against this, we have so far been producing a modest quantity of over 100 million tonnes on yearly basis that also stands drastically reduced due to cap on production.

Narendra Modi Ji transparency can prove to be a milestone in the history of job creation through utilization of natural resources as this is a sector that has the potential to create employment not just in urban sector but also in rural part of the country. This is a sector that needs young engineers, chartered accountants, management graduates, geologists, community service professionals, and also unskilled manpower that is sourced almost 100% from nearby villages.

What is needed is a simple policy that auctions natural resources in the most sustainable and transparent manner, on revenue sharing basis or highest royalty. It will also encourage young start-ups who are keen to develop ancillary industries to utilize the metals using best of global technology. The key to this simple revolution lies in a simpler regulatory framework, based on transparent policies and processes, emphasising self-declaration and strong deterrents and penalties for non-compliance.

We also need to simplify and unify our regulatory and approval process across the board by reducing at least 80% of our processes as well as clearance time. This can be done using technology, automation and simpler policies and rules. A simplified regulatory and approval process could be a good enabler to get the best out of our bureaucracy.

As a suggestion, to strengthen the country’s economy form a single large ministry to deal with development of all natural resources, bring oil & gas, mines, coal and steel under single umbrella and under a strong visionary leader. This new Ministry of Natural Resource would look into the optimum development of natural resources.

These are some of the factors that also enabled America to emerge as an economic powerhouse. India can follow suit as long as all stakeholders have the will and commitment.

The world is looking at India as the next destination after China. Some of the biggest advantages that India has are its vibrant democracy, a vigilant media and an excellent legal framework.

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.

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.

HINDUSTAN ZINC RECEIVED 2ND PRIZE IN THE NATIONAL ENERGY CONSERVATION AWARD 2015

Hindustan Zinc has received the 2nd Prize in the National Energy Conservation Award 2015 in the Thermal Power Stations Sector (Coal fired plants < 100 MW capacity) constituted by Bureau of Energy Efficiency, Ministry of Power, Govt. of India.

The award has been given for Hindustan Zinc’s Zawar Unit - 1x80 MW CPP-Zawar. The Award was presented by Shri Piyush Goyal - Hon’ble Minister of State (I/C) for Power, Coal and New & Renewable Energy, Govt. of India at the function held on National Energy Conservation Day at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi on 14th December, 2015. On behalf of Hindustan Zinc, the award was received by Mr. R.P. Mali - Head CPP, Zawar.

HINDUSTAN ZINC RECEIVED EXPORT EXCELLENCE AWARD

Hindustan Zinc received the Export Excellence Award for the year 2011-12 in Metal category. The Export Excellence Award was given by Hon'ble Home Minister of Rajasthan - Shri Gulab Ji Kataria and was received by Mr. Jayant Kumar - Dy. CMO, HZL on the behalf of Hindustan Zinc. The award function was held in Udaipur on 14th December, 2015.

HINDUSTAN ZINC AWARDED WITH "FROST & SULLIVAN - GREEN MANUFACTURING EXCELLENCE AWARD 2015"

We are very pleased to inform that Hindustan Zinc’s Chanderiya Lead-Zinc Smelting Complex has been awarded with "Frost & Sullivan - Green Manufacturing Excellence Award 2015" in Mega Large Business. The coveted award was received by Mr. Rajesh Kundu – Location Head, Ms. Nikita Bhakta – AM (HR) and Mr. RS Rao – Executive (Process) from Hindustan Zinc’s Chanderiya Unit in a glittering event organized at Hotel Hyatt in Mumbai in May 2015.

Hindustan Zinc Chanderiya Lead-Zinc Smelter also received "Certificate of Merit for Safety Excellence", which was received by Mr. Dilip Sharma, Executive- Safety.

HINDUSTAN ZINC AWARDED WITH "PLATTS INDUSTRY LEADERSHIP FOR BASE METALS AWARD 2015"

We are very pleased to inform that Hindustan Zinc has been awarded with "Platts Industry Leadership for Base Metals Award 2015" in a glittering event organized by Platts in London. The award was received Mr. Deepak Kumar from Vedanta’s London office on behalf of Hindustan Zinc.

This award recognizes base metals companies that have weathered the ups and downs by taking action to improve efficiency, tailor their output to meet demand, and focus on core strengths. Judges identified winners based on right decisions about investment, growth prospects and diversity in preparation for opportunities ahead.  It also included Financial Results, Innovation, Product Quality, Safety and Strategic Vision.

Founded in 1909, Platts is a leading global provider of energy, petrochemicals, metals and agriculture information and a premier source of benchmark prices for the physical and futures markets.  Platts' news, pricing, analytics, commentary and conferences help customers make better-informed trading and business decisions and help the markets operate with greater transparency and efficiency.  Customers in more than 150 countries benefit from Platts’ coverage of the biofuels, carbon emissions, coal, electricity, oil, natural gas, metals, nuclear power, petrochemical, shipping and sugar markets.  

CII-ITC COMMENDS HINDUSTAN ZINC FOR CSR INITIATIVES - CII-ITC SUSTAINABILITY AWARDS 2014

The CSR of Hindustan Zinc has done it once again. This time by winning “CII-ITC Sustainability Commendation-2014 is Corporate Social Responsibility category”. The event was organized in New Delhi on 19^th December 2014. Shri Prakash Javadekar - Hon’ble Union Minister for Environment and Forest was the Chief Guest and the award was presented by Ms. Meenakshi Lekhi – Hon’ble Member of Parliament. Mr. Y.C. Deveshwar - Chairman, ITC and  Mr. Chandrajit Banerjeee - Director General, CII were also present on the dais.

 

On behalf of Hindustan Zinc, the Commendation was received by Ms. Sushma Sharma - Head CSR and Ms. Monica Jain - Executive CSR.

CII ITC SUSTAINABILITY AWARD - 2014 TO HINDUSTAN ZINC

Hindustan Zinc received yet another accolade, the "CII ITC Sustainability Award 2014- Outstanding accomplishment" under the Corporate Excellence, in a glittering function organized in New Delhi. The award was given by Shri Prakash Javadekar, Hon’ble Union Minister for Environment & Forest.  Also present on the dais were Ms. Meenakshi Lekhi – Hon’ble Member of Parliament, Mr. YC Deveshwar, Chairman, ITC and  Mr. Chandrajit Banerjeee, Director General, CII.

On behalf of Hindustan Zinc, the "CII ITC Sustainability Award 2014- Outstanding accomplishment" was received by Mr. Mahesh Todkar – Unit Head (Unit-1), Mr. M.K. Yadav – Head Environment and Mr. Hitendra Bhuptawat - Manager IMS & Sustainability, all from Chanderiya Zinc-Lead Smelter.

EXCELLENCE AWARD FOR HINDUSTAN ZINC

Hindustan Zinc’s Unit II Chanderia Lead Zinc Smelter has won Gold Excellence in India Manufacturing Excellence Award 2014 organized by Frost & Sullivan and Times Group. The award function was held at The Trident, Mumbai on 12th Dec 2014. Hindustan Zinc has topped metal sector in the country.

On behalf of Hindustan Zinc - Unit II M/s Mr. Rajesh Kundu, Mr. Pardha Sarathi, Mr. P Yoganand and Mr. Chetan Chippa received the award.

HINDUSTAN ZINC RECEIVES "SAP ACE AWARD 2014"

Hindustan Zinc has received "SAP ACE Award 2014" in the category of “Best Run Award in HR” in a glittering ceremony held at Hotel Palladium, Mumbai on 12th  November, 2014. SAP ACE awards are awards for customer excellence in SAP implementation and utilization conducted by SAP India.

Mr. Birendra Mohapatra - VP (HR), Mr. S. Siddiqui - AVP (IT) and Mr. Piyush Verdia - Manager (HR) received the award on behalf of Hindustan Zinc from Mr. Ravi Chauhan - MD, SAP Indian Sub-Continent.

This year  about  200  nominations were received for these awards in 8 different categories. These nominations were across diverse businesses like Garments, Retail, Telecom, Construction, Consumer goods, Chemicals, Medical & health, Pharmaceuticals, Automobiles, Financial Institutions, Mining & metals,  Oil & Gas, Energy, Utilities & IT/ITES. Each nomination went through stringent 3-tier screening, evaluation and short-listing process by a panel of independent jury. 

HINDUSTAN ZINC'S SINDESAR KHURD MINE CONFERRED "ENERGY EFFICIENT UNIT" BY CII

Hindustan Zinc’s Sindesar Khurd Unit has been conferred an “Energy Efficient Unit” by Confederation of Indian Industry (CII)  in recently concluded  national competition for Excellence in Energy Management held on 29th & 30th October, 2014 at HICC, Hyderabad.  There were 97 companies from various sectors i.e. automotive, hospitality, cement, power who participated in this prestigious competition.

On behalf of SK Mine, the award was received by Mr. Joydeep Chandra - GM (OD ), Mr. Rajendra Kumar - Head Elect & Energy Manager and Mr. Ashok Kumar Jain - Mechanical Maintenance. 

AKHILESH JOSHI, CEO-HZL APPOINTED VICE CHAIRMAN OF INTERNATIONAL ZINC ASSOCIATION (IZA)

Mr. Akhilesh Joshi, CEO Hindustan Zinc, has been appointed as Vice Chairman of the International Zinc Association (IZA). A decision in this regard was taken by the Board of International Zinc Association (IZA) in their Annual General Meeting held on 23^rd October 2014.  Akhilesh Joshi is the first Indian CEO to be appointed as Vice Chairman of International Zinc Association (IZA).

International Zinc Association(IZA), a non - profit organization established in 1990 in Brussels, has been very actively pursuing globally the image of Zinc, from an industrial product to an essential element. The International Zinc Association(IZA) has also been instrumental in running a “Zinc Saves Kids” program in association with UNICEF. International Zinc Association (IZA) has a strong regional presence in USA, Europe, Latin America, Asia including China, South Africa and Australia, through 11 offices and more than 250 member companies, including big global mining companies like MMG, Teck Cominco, Boliden etc. and Zinc smelting companies like Korea Zinc, Votorantim to name a few.

International Zinc Association(IZA) has also been working very closely in India with National Highways Authority of India, Airport Authority of India, Indian Railways, Central Public Works Department, Central Road Research Institute etc. to highlight the importance and necessity of Galvanizing. Recently, in close association with Hindustan Zinc, International Zinc Association(IZA) organized the first International Galvanizing Conference in New Delhi. Later a Zinc College was also organized in Udaipur under the auspices of Mr. Akhilesh Joshi, which saw participation of 75 experts representing 32 countries.

At present International Zinc Association has Chairman as Mr. Andrew Michelmore, the CEO of MMG limited and  Executive Director as Mr. Stephen Wilkinson, who is an ex Teck Cominco executive.

ASIA'S FIRST ZINC COLLEGE BEGINS IN UDAIPUR, HOSTED BY HINDUSTAN ZINC

Asia’s first Zinc College began in Udaipur on 7th September 2014 hosted by Hindustan Zinc, India’s largest and one of the world’s largest integrated zinc producer.  About 75 participants from 30 countries around the globe are participating in this Zinc College which is scheduled till 11th September 2014.  Mr. Akhilesh Joshi, CEO – Hindustan Zinc is the Chairman for Zinc College 2014.

Zinc College is organized by International Zinc Association and involves lectures, working group sessions and a Zinc smelting plant visits. Discussions and debates are organized on zinc production, marketing and sales, applications, LME trading, statistics, communications, environment, health and crop nutrition and sustainable development. Senior executives from IZA Member companies and consultants from public and private organizations are instructors in Zinc College.  Besides lectures and discussions, the Zinc College will also discuss other usages of zinc like ‘Zinc Saves Kids’, ‘Zinc in Fertilizers’ etc. The global industry is looking towards India as a promising emerging market for Zinc and Steel and in view of this Zinc College plays a significant role. The last Zinc College was held in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil in 2012.

This year Zinc College speakers list include Stephen Wilkinson ( Exec Director – IZA), Dr Frank Goodwin (Global Director- IZA), Claire Hassall (Principal – CHR Metals) , Genevieve Begkoyian ( Chief of Health - UNICEF), Paul White (Director - International Lead Zinc Study Group), Tony Green (Grenvyn Consulting Inc), Mo Ahmadzadeh (INTL FCStone, USA), Graham Wood (Technical Director - AMEC Americas), Marc De Jonghe (Director – Umicore), Marianne Schönnenbeck (Rheinzink), Martin Gagné, IZA Canada), William Marques (Director - IZA Brazil), Ben Cattaneo (Accenture Risk Management), Martin Webb (GM - MMG Ltd), Sander de Leeuw (Commercial Director -  Boliden Mineral AB), Luis Eduardo Woolcott (Compañia Minera Milpo) and Berit Wirths (Manager Communications – IZA).

Other eminent speakers in the College from India would be Laxman Shekhawat (Chief Operating Officer – Mines, Hindustan Zinc), Akhilesh Shukla (Head – R&D, Hindustan Zinc), Rahul Sharma (Director India, IZA) and Dr Soumitra Das (Director, Zinc Nutrient Initiative - India, IZA).

A panel discussion for the benefit of participants with senior executives of Hindustan Zinc has also scheduled with Mr. Sunil Duggal, Deputy CEO – Hindustan Zinc and Mr. Amitabh Gupta, CFO – Hindustan Zinc as panel members.

KAYAD UNDERGROUND MINE RECEIVED THE "FEDERATION OF INDIAN MINERAL INDUSTRIES (FIMI) ABHERAJ BALDOTA ENVIRONMENT AWARD 2013-2014"

It gives us immense pleasure to inform that Kayad Underground Mine received the "Federation of Indian Mineral Industries (FIMI) - Abheraj Baldota Environment Award" for the year 2013-2014 for its exemplary performance in Environment, Occupational Health & Safety in Underground Mines Category.  

The award was presented by Shri Narendra Singh Tomar - Hon'ble Minister of Mines, Steel and Labour & Employment, Govt. of India at the function held during 48th Annual General Meeting of  FIMI in New Delhi at Taj Mahal Hotel on 31st July 2014. The award was received by Mr. Kabir Ghosh - Head Technical (Mining), Mr. P.S. Jaitawat - General Manager & Unit Head and Mr. S.C. Sekhar Babu - Sr. Manager(Env).

Apart from the above, Mr. P.S. Jaitawat received the certificate for his significant contribution in ensuring Environment protection and Occupational Health & Safety in Kayad Mine. The certificate was given in the presence of Secretary Mines, Govt. of India, Senior Executives and Mining Professionals of leading Companies across India.  

HINDUSTAN ZINC RAJPURA DARIBA COMPLEX RECEIVES BHAMASHAH AWARD - 2014

We are pleased to inform that Rajpura Dariba Complex has been awarded with "Bhamashah Award -2014, for its efforts towards upliftment of community residing near the business location under its community service initiatives. 

The Award was presented to Hindustan Zinc by Shri Kalicharn Saraff - Hon'ble Cabinet Minister of Education, Government of Rajasthan in the presence of gathering of industry representatives, NGOs and other officials. On behalf of Hindustan Zinc the award was received by Mr. A.S. Bedi - Head Administration, RDC and Mr. Bherulal Sukhwal - CSR, RDC.