Hindustan Zinc Ltd., the world’s largest integrated zinc producer, said on Thursday it had joined the International Council on Mining and Metals, becoming the first Indian company to enter the global alliance of 25 mining and metals majors advancing sustainable development.
The admission marks the first new member added to ICMM since 2021 and positions India on the global stage of responsible mining practices.
Membership followed a rigorous independent assessment and endorsement by ICMM’s Council, based on recommendations from the Independent Expert Review Panel, Hindustan Zinc said.
ICMM members commit to 40 performance expectations covering environmental, social and governance standards, which are subject to third-party validation across all operating assets.
The framework includes commitments on climate action, biodiversity, transparency, circular economy, and diversity and inclusion.
Pledge to Sustainability
Arun Misra, chief executive officer and whole-time director at Hindustan Zinc, said the company viewed the development as both “an honor and a big responsibility.”
“This milestone marks a new chapter in our Sustainability 2.0 journey, grounded in transparency, innovation and global best practices,” he said. “For us, sustainability and good business go hand in hand, and it is a strategic imperative to create lasting positive impact on our environment, our communities, and the industry at large.”
Rohitesh Dhawan, president and CEO of ICMM, said the move reflected India’s growing significance in the metals and mining sector. “Their inclusion strengthens our collective commitment to responsible mining and reflects the growing importance of India in the global metals and mining industry,” he said.
Track Record on ESG
Hindustan Zinc, a subsidiary of Vedanta Ltd, has been recognized globally for its ESG performance. In 2024, it was ranked the world’s most sustainable metals and mining company by the S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment for the second year running.
The company has adopted the 2030 Sustainable Goals and validated Science-Based Targets aligned to limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius. It has also pledged to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 or sooner.
Hindustan Zinc operates multiple mines and smelters in Rajasthan and supplies zinc and silver globally. Its focus on water conservation, renewable energy use and community development has been central to its ESG agenda, the company said.
By joining ICMM, Hindustan Zinc will gain a platform to share insights and learn from global peers, including BHP, Rio Tinto, Anglo American and Glencore.
The company stated that membership would facilitate joint initiatives in decarbonization, biodiversity protection, responsible tailings management and social inclusion.
