Hindustan Zinc Ltd, a Vedanta Group company, has deployed an advanced tele-remote drilling system at its Rajpura Dariba mine in Rajasthan, as part of its push towards digitally enabled and highly automated underground operations.
Remote operations enhance safety and efficiency
The system enables engineers to operate drilling equipment remotely from the surface with real-time precision, significantly improving both safety and operational efficiency.
Currently effective over a range of 600 metres and scalable up to 800 metres, the technology delivers drilling speeds of around 60 metres per hour.
Productivity gains driven by continuous operations
Enabled by robust wireless connectivity, the system ensures continuous drilling across shifts, improving utilisation and operational efficiency. This has resulted in an overall productivity gain of 17%.
Proven success across key mining assets
The technology has already been successfully implemented at Hindustan Zinc’s Sindesar Khurd mine, one of the world’s largest silver-producing mines, as well as at Rampura Agucha. These deployments have delivered strong results in enhancing safety, equipment utilisation, and production efficiency.
Digital transformation for new benchmarks
Hindustan Zinc Ltd Chief Executive Officer Arun Misra said, “The deployment of the tele-remote system at Rajpura Dariba highlights our focus on creating intelligent, future-ready mining systems powered by automation and digital innovation. By integrating advanced technologies across our operations, we are enhancing performance, reliability, and sustainability while setting new benchmarks for the mining industry in India.”
Driving innovation through deeptech and startups
Hindustan Zinc continues to drive innovation in the metals and mining sector by deploying advanced technologies that enhance safety, efficiency, and sustainability. The company is currently working with over 20 technology startups on more than 50 projects through its V-Spark Deeptech Ventures platform.
These collaborations span key areas such as production enhancement, cost optimisation, value creation, ESG leadership, and improved safety practices.
Embedding advanced technologies across operations
The company has embedded technological excellence across its operations through the adoption of robotics, artificial intelligence, blockchain, and the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT).
Recently, Hindustan Zinc announced the implementation of an advanced AI-powered camera surveillance system across its operations. This solution enhances workplace safety, operational efficiency, and compliance monitoring, resulting in nearly 50% reduction in manual intervention.
Future-ready mining with Robotics and LiDAR
Additionally, the company has deployed robotic automation in high-temperature smelting operations, improving precision, streamlining metallurgical workflows, and ensuring consistent product quality.
Looking ahead, Hindustan Zinc plans to introduce LiDAR-enabled, drone-based stope scanning to further enhance the accuracy of underground mine mapping and optimise extraction planning.