Hindustan Zinc Ltd has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) to develop a 250-hectare ecological restoration project at its Chanderiya Lead Zinc Smelter Complex in Rajasthan, a move the company says will create the world’s largest green cover area within industrial premises.
The project, located in Chittorgarh district, marks a significant step in Hindustan Zinc’s efforts to transform industrial landscapes into thriving natural ecosystems while advancing its biodiversity conservation and sustainability goals.
Project aligned with Sustainability Goal 2030
The initiative is a key part of Hindustan Zinc’s Sustainability Goal 2030, which focuses on halting and reversing biodiversity loss through measurable improvements and progressively delivering a Net Positive Impact (NPI) on nature.
The company said the project is designed to generate long-term nature-positive outcomes while strengthening ecological resilience within industrial operations.
Scientific restoration approach planned
The restoration programme will adopt a scientific and multi-layered ecological approach involving the plantation of native trees, shrubs, herbs and grasses suited to the local ecosystem.
The project will also include invasive species management, restoration and support of water bodies and aquatic ecosystems, as well as the implementation of long-term maintenance and protection measures.
TERI will support species identification and provide subject matter expertise across planning, design and implementation stages.
Building on an existing partnership
The latest collaboration builds on the longstanding partnership between Hindustan Zinc and TERI at the Chanderiya Lead Zinc Smelter Complex.
The two organisations have already completed ecological restoration activities across 22.25 hectares at the Jarofix Yard, where residue generated during the zinc smelting process is safely stored and managed. The restoration work has transformed degraded industrial land into a functional and biodiverse green ecosystem.
In addition, a six-hectare biodiversity park is being developed on top of a secured landfill within the complex.
Using TERI’s Mycorrhiza technology, nearly 56,400 native trees have been planted, helping establish dense green cover in challenging industrial conditions.
Sustainability at the core
Hindustan Zinc Ltd CEO Arun Misra said the company continues to integrate sustainability across its operations through initiatives focused on biodiversity, water conservation, circularity and decarbonisation.
” Our partnership with TERI reflects this commitment by transforming industrial land into resilient green ecosystems that support native biodiversity and ecological restoration. As the first Indian company to join ICMM, we continue to align with global benchmarks in sustainable mining and remain committed to creating lasting value for the environment, communities and the nation,” he said.
Strengthening ESG commitments
The ecological restoration project forms part of Hindustan Zinc’s broader Environment, Social and Governance (ESG) roadmap, which emphasises biodiversity conservation, land restoration, water stewardship, responsible resource management and decarbonisation.
The company has recently strengthened its sustainability credentials through a 530 MW round-the-clock renewable energy agreement, which is expected to meet more than 70% of its power requirements. Initial renewable energy supplies have already commenced.
Hindustan Zinc has also increased its water recycling rate to 49% and expanded its green mobility fleet to 232 vehicles, including electric and LNG-powered vehicles.
Focus on regenerative landscapes
A Vedanta Group company, Hindustan Zinc was recently ranked as the world’s most sustainable metals and mining company for the third consecutive year in the S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment 2025.
The company said the proposed 250-hectare restoration project demonstrates how responsible industrial operations can contribute to regenerative landscapes, climate resilience and long-term value creation for communities and biodiversity.