Hindustan Zinc Limited has executed the deed for the grant of a composite licence for the Nawatola Laband Rare Earth Elements (REE) Block in Uttar Pradesh. The execution, dated June 27, 2026, was completed with the Government of Uttar Pradesh under the provisions of Schedule V of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957. This development allows the company to undertake reconnaissance, prospecting, and exploration activities within the specified area.

The Nawatola Laband REE Block covers an area of 210.01 hectares and is located in the Sonbhadra District of Uttar Pradesh. The composite licence grants Hindustan Zinc the right to conduct operations in accordance with the terms and conditions of the licence and applicable statutory provisions.

Upon the successful completion of exploration and the fulfillment of terms applicable to the successful bidder under the MMDR Act, the Mineral (Auction) Rules, 2015, and the Composite Licence, the company will become eligible for the grant of a Mining Lease. This transition is subject to compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.

The move is part of the company's strategic expansion into critical minerals. The Nawatola Laband block represents a significant asset in the rare earth elements sector, which is crucial for various high-technology and clean energy applications.

Hindustan Zinc has deployed India's first 250 Metric Tonne capacity electric crane at Zinc Smelter Debari in Rajasthan. The hybrid lifting machine, capable of operating on both diesel and electric power, marks a significant step in the company's journey to decarbonize core operations and integrate clean technologies across industrial infrastructure. This deployment is expected to avoid approximately 250.8 tCO2e annually by replacing a diesel-operated crane consuming around 93,600 litres of diesel per year, thereby improving operational energy efficiency.

The deployment reinforces Hindustan Zinc's commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 or sooner. Over the past three years, the company has rolled out a suite of clean mobility solutions, including operating India's first underground battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and establishing Rajasthan's largest EV bulker fleet with 40 electric bulkers in partnership with GreenLine Mobility. The company recently deployed the first two electric buses for employee transit as part of a 41-bus green mobility initiative and launched four electric loaders at the Rampura Agucha Mine.

Operational Efficiency and Sustainability Goals

The introduction of the electric crane is part of Hindustan Zinc's broader decarbonization roadmap. The company aims to reduce Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 50% and Scope 3 emissions by 25% from the 2020 baseline. To support these targets, Hindustan Zinc has increased renewables to nearly 18% of its power mix and commissioned over 530 MW of round-the-clock renewable energy capacity.

Strategic Partnerships and Industry Leadership

Arun Misra, CEO, Hindustan Zinc, stated that the deployment reflects the company's resolve to adopt clean technology and redefine how core industry transitions to low-carbon solutions. The crane was supplied by SANY India, whose Managing Director, Deepak Garg, highlighted the partnership's shared commitment to advancing innovation for operational excellence and environmental impact.

Hindustan Zinc became the first company in India to deploy underground BEVs at Sindesar Khurd Mine in 2022-23. The company operates over 250 LNG trucks to transport concentrate between mining sites and smelters, making it Rajasthan's largest LNG fleet operator in industrial logistics. These initiatives align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 2030, focusing on clean energy, climate action, and responsible production.

Brand and Market Position

The company launched EcoZen, Asia's first low-carbon zinc brand, produced using renewable power. Hindustan Zinc is the first Indian producer certified under the international Zinc Mark validation under the Copper Mark Assurance Process. It was named the world's most sustainable metals and mining company for the third consecutive year in the S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment 2025.