HZL becomes the first mining company in India to introduce Electric Vehicles in Underground Mining

This will help Hindustan Zinc Limited to explore the possibility of introducing battery operated vehicles in underground mines which will help reduce carbon emissions, enabling mine operations to become more environment friendly.

By UdaipurTimes Team Feb 9, 2021, 17:45 IST

Hindustan Zinc & Epiroc Rock Drills AB sign an MoU for Zero Emission and Sustainable Mining by introduction of Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) in underground mining
Hindustan Zinc will become the first mining company in India to introduce electric vehicles in UG mines

A pioneer in adopting innovative solutions and smart technologies for responsible mining, Hindustan Zinc sets a new benchmark as the company leads the way for introduction of Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) in underground mining.

Taking a step closer to achieving carbon neutrality, Hindustan Zinc signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Epiroc for ‘Zero Emission and Sustainable Mining by introduction of Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) in underground mining’. This will help HZL to explore the possibility of introducing battery operated vehicles in underground mines which will help reduce carbon emissions, enabling the mine operations to become more environment friendly.

Industrial activities around the globe are fast moving towards building sustainable partnerships that bring efficiency and expertise to business. It’s imperative for any partnership to share same values to be successful, and both Hindustan Zinc as well as Epiroc India share the values of safety, sustainability, innovation and technology in running operations.

“At Hindustan Zinc, we are committed to Smart, Safe and Sustainable operations and we believe that as a leader it is incumbent on us to be catalysts for transformation towards adopting sustainability driven business solutions. This partnership with Epiroc fortifies our commitment to green and responsible mining and takes us furthers in the right direction to achieve carbon neutrality, in line with our emission reduction Sustainability Development Goal for 2025.” - Arun Misra, CEO, Hindustan Zinc

The future is electric, and technologies such as these will be at the forefront of smart operations. This partnership will in future allow a fleet of highly efficient electric powered equipment that at one end will reduce carbon emission by replacing diesel-fuelled equipment and on the other hand will increase productivity with its evolved design.

“A safer and cleaner mining starts only if someone takes the first step. Epiroc has always been a leader in mining technologies. We showcase the BEV in underground mining with the broadest offerings and a mission to deliver the world's greenest machines. Our memorandum with Hindustan Zinc is a step on our mutual journey for a safer and more sustainable mining operation to come.” - Jerry Andersson, Managing Director, Epiroc India

Sustainability across operations is part of the core business philosophy at Hindustan Zinc. As a COP26 business leader, the company has been consistently working towards achieving science-based targets (SBT) to curb carbon footprint. It is part of the prestigious CDP “A List” for all its initiatives towards tackling climate change and is also ranked 1st in Asia Pacific & 7th Globally by The Dow Jones Sustainability Index 2020.

About Hindustan Zinc Limited

Hindustan Zinc (NSE & BSE: HINDZINC), a Vedanta Group Company, is one of the world’s largest and India’s only integrated producer of Zinc-Lead and Silver. The Company is headquartered in Udaipur, Rajasthan in India where it also has its mines and smelting complexes. It is self-sufficient in power with installed captive thermal power plants and green energy plants including wind and solar power.

Sustainability & innovation is at the core of Hindustan Zinc’s operations. The Company is ranked 1st in Asia-Pacific and 7th globally in the Dow Jones Sustainability Index 2020 in the metal & mining sector, is a certified water positive company, is a member of the FTSE4Good Index and also a part of the prestigious ‘A’ List by CDP for climate change.

As a socially responsible corporate, Hindustan Zinc is committed to enhancing the lives of local communities through its social programs. The company is amongst the Top 15 CSR Spenders in India and is currently reaching out to 500,000 people across 189 core villages in Rajasthan and Uttarakhand.

About Epiroc

Epiroc is a vital part of a sustainable society and a global productivity partner for mining and infrastructure customers. With ground-breaking technology, Epiroc develops and provides innovative and safe equipment, such as drill rigs, rock excavation and construction equipment and tools for surface and underground applications. The company also offers world-class service and other aftermarket support as well as solutions for automation, digitalization and electrification. Epiroc is based in Stockholm, Sweden, had revenues of SEK 36 billion in 2020, and has 14 000 passionate employees supporting and collaborating with customers in more than 150 countries. Learn more at www.epirocgroup.com.