Metalworld

PRESS RELEASE, New Delhi, 26th May, 2026:
Anil Agarwal, Chairman, Vedanta, called for a national mission to unlock India’s below-the-ground potential through entrepreneurship, privatisation, exploration and trust-based governance. Speaking at an event, he highlighted India’s strong geology, entrepreneurial talent and advanced technology needed to achieve large-scale natural resource self-reliance.

Drawing parallels with India’s Green Revolution, Agarwal mentioned that the country must now create a similar movement around minerals, metals, oil and gas to reduce import dependence and generate employment. Calling it a “Green Revolution for below-the-ground”, he noted that nearly 50% of India’s imports are linked to below-the-ground resources, despite India possessing some of the world’s richest geological reserves. Also, policy support, faster approvals, exploration-led growth and greater trust in entrepreneurs can significantly increase domestic production across sectors such as oil & gas, copper, aluminium, gold, zinc, nickel and critical minerals. He stated that India has the capability to emerge as an energy-surplus and manufacturing-driven nation.

“India should not send its hard-earned money abroad to create jobs in other countries”

Highlighting Vedanta’s experience in transforming Hindustan Zinc and Bharat Aluminium Company Limited (BALCO), Agarwal said entrepreneurship, technology and operational freedom helped in unlocking the large-scale production while creating large employment and downstream industrial ecosystems. India’s zinc production increased from nearly 1.4 lakh tonnes to around 30 lakh tonnes, while aluminium production at BALCO scaled from 1 lakh tonne and is now targeted to reach 60 lakh tonnes. “Whenever the government has trusted entrepreneurs, they have delivered world-class outcomes”, he said. Further added that these transformations were achieved using the same assets and workforce, highlighting the impact of investment, innovation and trust in entrepreneurship.

“Today, if India earns 100 rupees, nearly 50 rupees go abroad to import resources. Trust entrepreneurs, whenever the government has trusted entrepreneurs, they have delivered world-class outcomes. Exploration, exploration, exploration is what India needs. We have the geology, young people, technology and capability to become an energy-surplus and manufacturing-driven nation.”, he mentioned while addressing the session.

He further highlighted the growing role of women in Vedanta’s workforce, noting that women today constitute nearly 30% of the company’s employee base across businesses. He mentioned that women professionals have consistently demonstrated strong leadership capabilities and emphasised that increasing participation of women in manufacturing and natural resources sectors will be critical to India’s long-term growth journey.

PRESS RELEASE, 25nd May 2026

Hindustan Zinc’s Rampura Agucha Becomes First Zinc Mark Certified Mine, Strengthening Global Customer Trust

Hindustan Zinc Limited has achieved another significant milestone in responsible mining and sustainable production. Its Rampura Agucha Mine the world’s largest underground zinc-lead mine has become India’s first Zinc Mark certified mine.

The globally recognised Zinc Mark certification validates responsible zinc production based on internationally benchmarked Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) standards, responsible sourcing practices, and supply chain transparency. The recognition further strengthens Hindustan Zinc’s integrated approach towards responsible production from mining to smelting.

This achievement follows the company’s earlier Zinc Mark certification for its Chanderiya Smelting Complex, reinforcing its position as a trusted supplier of responsibly sourced zinc for global industries including steel, infrastructure, automobiles, renewable energy, and advanced manufacturing.

The certification highlights Hindustan Zinc’s continued focus on sustainability, operational excellence, transparency, and low-carbon production. As industries worldwide increasingly prioritise ESG-compliant and traceable raw materials, the milestone strengthens customer confidence in Hindustan Zinc’s commitment towards building sustainable and future-ready supply chains.