New Delhi, 13/08/2025:
In a landmark development for India’s mining sector, Hindustan Zinc Limited (HZL), a subsidiary of Vedanta Group and one of the world’s largest integrated producers of zinc, lead, and silver, has become the first Indian company to join the International Council on Mining and Metals (ICMM). This milestone places both the company and the nation on the global stage for responsible and sustainable mining.
The ICMM, headquartered in London, is an influential industry body comprising 24 of the world’s leading mining and metals companies and over 30 regional and commodities associations. Its core mission is to strengthen the mining industry’s contribution to sustainable development by enforcing stringent environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices. Members are expected to adhere to its 10 core principles, which cover everything from environmental protection and climate change mitigation to human rights, safety, and community engagement.
HZL’s induction into the ICMM did not happen overnight. To qualify, the company underwent a rigorous assessment process, reviewed by the council’s Independent Expert Review Panel. The evaluation included a detailed analysis of HZL’s mining practices, safety standards, environmental management systems, and community engagement initiatives. Approval was granted only after the ICMM’s Council of CEOs – representing the top mining companies worldwide – voted in favor.
Announcing the membership, Priya Agarwal Hebbar, Chairperson of Hindustan Zinc, described the achievement as a proud moment not only for the company but also for India’s mining industry as a whole.
“Joining the ICMM is a testament to our commitment to responsible and sustainable mining. It signals India’s growing role in shaping the future of the global mining sector, where environmental stewardship, transparency, and community well-being are just as important as economic growth.”
HZL has long been a central player in India’s mining landscape, operating world-class underground mines in Rajasthan and managing smelters and refining infrastructure across the region. The company is also the largest producer of zinc in the country, while ranking among the top global producers of lead and silver. Its operations provide critical raw materials that fuel industries ranging from infrastructure to renewable energy. By joining the ICMM, HZL will now participate in a global network dedicated to advancing responsible mining practices. Membership offers access to international knowledge-sharing platforms, best-practice frameworks, and collaborative initiatives aimed at tackling challenges such as climate change, biodiversity protection, water stewardship, and the transition to low-carbon economies.
Industry experts say this step could have far-reaching implications for India. “HZL’s inclusion in the ICMM sets a benchmark for Indian mining companies,” said a senior analyst in the metals sector. “It may encourage others in the industry to strengthen their ESG focus and aspire for global recognition. This could ultimately transform the reputation of Indian mining from being resource-driven to being responsibility-driven. The move is also likely to enhance investor confidence, as global capital increasingly gravitates toward companies that demonstrate robust sustainability credentials. For communities living near mining operations, ICMM membership provides an additional layer of accountability, as the council enforces independent reviews and public reporting requirements to ensure members live up to their commitments. Over the years, HZL has introduced several initiatives aligned with sustainable development goals, such as renewable energy adoption, water recycling, biodiversity conservation projects, and large-scale community development programs in health, education, and skill-building. Its ICMM membership now validates these efforts on the world stage, while also raising the bar for future performance.
For India, this milestone carries symbolic significance. As the country seeks to balance rapid industrial growth with environmental responsibility, HZL’s inclusion in ICMM demonstrates that Indian companies can compete globally not just in scale and efficiency, but also in sustainability and ethics. It signals a broader shift in the nation’s mining industry toward practices that respect both natural resources and human communities. In essence, Hindustan Zinc’s membership in the ICMM is not just about corporate prestige, it represents a turning point for Indian mining. It shows that India is ready to be part of the global conversation on how mining can serve as a force for sustainable development rather than environmental degradation.
As the sector continues to evolve, HZL’s achievement could well become a catalyst, inspiring a new era of responsible mining in India, one where economic progress and environmental care go hand in hand.
