Hindustan Zinc Ltd has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Advantek Associates LLP and Aero Eagle Automobiles Pvt Ltd to explore the adoption of green hydrogen and alternative clean energy solutions across its mining operations, marking a significant step in its decarbonisation journey.
The collaboration will focus on assessing innovative technologies that can support the transition towards low-carbon and future-ready mining operations. Through the partnership, Hindustan Zinc plans to evaluate the use of hydrogen fuel for underground mining applications, a move that could make it the only company to deploy such technology in underground mining environments. Hindustan Zinc is world’s largest integrated zinc producer and one of the top 10 silver producers globally.
Focus on decarbonisation
The initiative forms part of Hindustan Zinc’s broader strategy to build technology-led and sustainable mining operations in line with its commitment to achieve Net Zero emissions by 2050 or earlier.
As mining and heavy industries remain among the most challenging sectors to decarbonise, hydrogen is increasingly emerging as a viable clean fuel alternative for energy-intensive and hard-to-electrify applications. The company said the collaboration will help assess hydrogen-based technologies that can contribute to its long-term decarbonisation roadmap while enhancing operational efficiency.
Hydrogen technologies under evaluation
The partnership will undertake comprehensive feasibility studies covering green hydrogen generation, storage, dispensing infrastructure and hydrogen-powered equipment. It will also assess the viability of Hydrogen Internal Combustion Engine (H2-ICE) and fuel cell technologies across mining and industrial applications.
A major focus area will be the use of hydrogen-powered solutions in underground mining environments, positioning Hindustan Zinc among the early adopters in India’s mining sector exploring such applications.
The project will be implemented in phases, beginning with technical, operational, safety, environmental and financial feasibility assessments. Subject to successful outcomes, the initiative could be expanded to cover mining equipment, heavy earth-moving machinery, underground and surface vehicles, generators and other operational assets.
Building future-ready mining operations
Hindustan Zinc Ltd CEO Arun Misra said, “At Hindustan Zinc, we are focused on pioneering solutions that can redefine the future of sustainable mining. Hydrogen has the potential to support cleaner mobility, reduce emissions from heavy-duty equipment and create new pathways for decarbonising hard-to-abate industrial operations. This collaboration is a forward-looking step in evaluating hydrogen-based technologies, including their potential application in underground mining, as we continue to build a future-ready metals business aligned with global sustainability benchmarks.”
According to the company, the initiative is expected to strengthen internal capabilities in next-generation fuels while accelerating the adoption of sustainable energy solutions across the metals and mining sector.
ESG roadmap gains momentum
The hydrogen initiative aligns with Hindustan Zinc’s wider Environment, Social and Governance (ESG) roadmap, which prioritises decarbonisation, energy transition and responsible natural resource management.
The company said it has increased renewable energy’s contribution to nearly 18% of its power mix and continues to advance its sustainability goals through cleaner technologies and operational efficiencies. Hindustan Zinc’s sustainability strategy is guided by its Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi)-validated goals and its membership of the International Council on Mining and Metals (ICMM).
A Vedanta Group company, Hindustan Zinc was recognised as the world’s most sustainable metals and mining company for the third consecutive year in the S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment 2025. Through the latest collaboration, the company aims to further strengthen its efforts towards building a low-carbon and future-ready metals industry.