Hindustan Zinc (HZL), a Vedanta Group company and the world’s largest integrated zinc producer, successfully hosted the Intra Zonal Mine Rescue Competition (IZMRC) 2025 at its Rampura Agucha Mine, the world’s largest underground zinc operation. Held from October 11–13 under the aegis of the Directorate General of Mines Safety (DGMS), Northwestern Zone, the competition brought together India’s top mine rescue teams to demonstrate their skill, endurance, and teamwork in simulated emergency scenarios.

Ten teams participated, including two all-women teams from HZL’s Rampura Agucha and Zawar Group of Mines, alongside men’s teams from Kayad Mine, Rajpura Dariba Mine, Sindesar Khurd Mine, Zawar Group of Mines, and Hindustan Copper Mines. The event underscored HZL’s strong safety culture based on precision, collaboration, and preparedness.

The opening ceremony at the Rampura Agucha Rescue Room Training Centre on October 12 was graced by Shri Vinod Rajak, Director of Mines Safety, Northwestern Zone, DGMS Udaipur, as Chief Guest, with senior officials Shri K. Ravinder, Dr. I. Satyanarayan, and Shri Tom Mathews as Guests of Honour.

“At Hindustan Zinc, safety is deeply rooted in our culture and it drives everything we do. The Intra Zonal Mine Rescue Competition is a testament to our commitment to preparedness, teamwork, and operational excellence in mining. It is inspiring to witness the courage, discipline, and technical precision demonstrated by every participant, especially the remarkable performance of our all-women rescue teams who continue to redefine possibilities in an industry that has traditionally been male dominated,” said Mr. Arun Misra, CEO & Whole-time Director, Hindustan Zinc.

Teams competed in live rescue relays, statutory tests, and emergency simulations evaluating decision-making and technical proficiency. The closing ceremony on October 13 at the Executive Club, Zinc Colony, Rampura Agucha, was attended by Shri R.T. Mandekar, Deputy Director General of Mines Safety, North Western Zone, DGMS Udaipur, and senior officials from HZL and DGMS.

The Rampura Agucha Mine men’s team won the overall title, with Rajpura Dariba Mine as runner-up, while Hindustan Copper Limited and Rampura Agucha’s all-women team shared the second runner-up position.

The competition reinforced Hindustan Zinc’s leadership in mine safety, skill development, and gender inclusion. As India’s only member of the International Council on Mining and Metals (ICMM), the company remains committed to advancing sustainable, safe, and inclusive mining practices through technology, training, and proactive risk management.