Vedanta 's Zinc India division has delivered outstanding operational performance in the third quarter, setting new production records across key metrics. The division achieved significant growth in both mined and refined metal output, while the international zinc operations demonstrated exceptional expansion.

Record Performance by Zinc India Division

The Zinc India division reached a milestone with record mined metal production of 276 KT during Q3, representing a solid 4% year-on-year growth. This achievement underscores the division's operational efficiency and consistent production capabilities.

Strong Refined Metal Output

Complementing the mined metal performance, Zinc India's refined metal output reached 270 KT in Q3, also registering a 4% year-on-year increase. This consistent growth in both mined and refined production demonstrates the division's integrated operational strength and processing capabilities.

Zinc International Operations Show Robust Growth

Zinc International operations delivered impressive results with production rising significantly by 28% year-on-year to reach 59 KT in Q3. This substantial growth rate highlights the strong performance of Vedanta's international zinc assets and their contribution to the overall production portfolio.

The strong performance across both domestic and international zinc operations reflects Vedanta's operational excellence and strategic focus on maximizing production efficiency across its zinc portfolio during the quarter.

Vedanta 's Sterlite Copper unit has received judicial clearance to pursue its green copper plant initiative in Tamil Nadu, following a recent Madras High Court ruling that opens the pathway for formal application procedures.

Court Proceedings and Key Directives

The Division Bench of Chief Justice Manindra Mohan Shrivastava and Justice G Arul Murugan heard a writ petition filed by Vedanta seeking direction to the Tamil Nadu government to decide its representations regarding "starting green copper initiatives by changing the original process." The court has scheduled the next hearing for January 29, 2026, alongside a related petition from 2019 (Fatima vs State of Tamil Nadu).

State's Position and Requirements

The State's counsel highlighted the regulatory background, submitting that "earlier, due to breach of consent and other violations, action was taken to close down the industry and the order was assailed up to the Supreme Court." The counsel emphasized that proper applications must be filed before competent authorities rather than mere representations addressed to the Chief Secretary and departmental secretaries.

The court's directive clarifies that "the pendency of this petition shall not come in the way of the petitioner in moving fresh application before the competent authorities and it will be open for the authorities to take a decision thereon."

Legal and Environmental Implications

PR Kovilan, Advocate at the Supreme Court, stated that "this paves the way for Vedanta to initiate the formal application process for setting up a green copper manufacturing plant." As part of a citizens group supporting environmentally sustainable initiatives, Kovilan expressed confidence that Vedanta's green copper plant would demonstrate that industrial growth and environmental sustainability can coexist.

Future Prospects

The advocate noted that the initiative could prove to be a turning point in the "future-ready progress of Tamil Nadu," emphasizing the potential for sustainable industrial development. The court's ruling provides Vedanta with a clear regulatory pathway while ensuring proper environmental compliance procedures are followed through the appropriate governmental channels.