Hindustan Zinc Limited recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Virginia Tech to advance research aimed at improving silver recovery across its lead–zinc (Pb–Zn) concentrators. The collaboration will focus on refining flotation techniques and optimising reagent usage to improve concentrate quality and operational efficiency at processing plants.

Virginia Tech, based in Blacksburg, Virginia, is globally recognised for its expertise in mining engineering, mineral processing and applied metallurgical research. Through this partnership, Hindustan Zinc will leverage global research insights to strengthen process understanding and enhance performance across its concentrator operations.

The study will examine key metallurgical parameters influencing flotation selectivity and metal recovery, with particular focus on reagent–mineral–water interactions that play a critical role in process stability and concentrate quality.

Arun Misra, CEO, Hindustan Zinc, said the collaboration represents a step toward strengthening the company’s knowledge ecosystem and advancing innovation in mining operations.

The project will also define optimised operating approaches and reagent regimes to support greater process stability, improved concentrate quality and more consistent plant performance. It will include laboratory testing, diagnostics and technical evaluations to support implementation across operations.

The partnership will additionally support knowledge transfer through workshops, training programmes and technical exchanges for Hindustan Zinc’s teams.

Hindustan Zinc has previously collaborated with institutions such as IITs, CSIR laboratories and JNCASR on initiatives related to mineral processing, critical metals research and zinc-based battery technologies, reinforcing its focus on building technology-driven mining capabilities.