Hindustan Zinc Limited (HZL), a Vedanta group company, has received environment clearance for undertaking a Rs 1,200 crore project expansion at Zawar Mines, Rajasthan. 

World’s second largest zinc producer, HZL is looking at expanding the production capacity of Lead-Zinc and undertaking ore beneficiation at the Zawar Group of underground mines.

HZL’s proposal was examined by Environment Ministry and on the basis of recommendations of expert advisory committee, the ministry has given clearance for the project, said a senior government executive.

The expansion project is estimated at Rs 1200 Crores. As per the project proposal, Lead-Zinc and Ore beneficiation  capacity will be increased to 4 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) from 1.5 MTPA.

Zawar group of mines are the oldest Lead-Zinc mines in India. The mines are spread over 3,620 hectare and have reserves of 13.71 million tonnes.