targets its next phase of growth on the global energy transition by expanding beyond zinc into critical minerals, downstream manufacturing and technology-led mining
Priya Agarwal Hebbar, Chairperson, Hindustan Zinc, addressing shareholders said the shifting geopolitics, artificial intelligence, evolving global supply chains and the energy transition are fundamentally reshaping the natural resources sector, increasing the strategic importance of companies that can supply critical minerals responsibly, reliably and at scale.
Highlighting the growing importance of energy transition minerals, Hebbar said an electric vehicle requires six times more minerals than a conventional vehicle, while the global market for energy transition minerals is expected to more than double to $770 billion by 2040.
“As our economy grows and manufacturing expands, securing critical resources is becoming a strategic priority. India has built real strength across zinc, bauxite, iron ore, aluminium and manganese. But the next frontier lithium, cobalt and rare earth elements, the building blocks of clean energy and advanced technology, is where we now need to focus,” she said at the company’s 60th Annual General Meeting.
As part of this strategy, Hindustan Zinc has secured mineral blocks for tungsten, potash, rare earth elements and halite, marking the beginning of its diversification into critical minerals.
The company is also progressing towards doubling its production capacity over time through phased investments while continuing to strengthen its exploration pipeline and maintain mine life well beyond 25 years.
Alongside upstream expansion, Hindustan Zinc is building downstream manufacturing capabilities through its Zinc Parks initiative.
In partnership with Tripura Group and CMR Green Technologies, the company aims to create India’s first integrated zinc manufacturing ecosystem, bringing MSMEs into the value chain, generating employment and supporting the country’s manufacturing ambitions.
Hebbar said technology will be central to the company’s next phase of growth, with increasing investments in automation, artificial intelligence, advanced analytics and intelligent mining systems to improve productivity, precision and safety.
“Today, we are a metals and mining company using technology. Tomorrow, our vision is to become a technology-led company that also produces metals. That shift is already underway,” she said.