Hindustan Zinc, India’s only and the world’s largest integrated zinc producer, has become the first Indian company to join the International Council on Mining and Metals (ICMM). This marks ICMM’s first new member since 2021 and a significant step in strengthening its engagement in South Asia.   

ICMM is a leadership body of 25 global mining and metals companies committed to advancing sustainable development, transparency, and ethical practices across the mining value chain. Hindustan Zinc’s membership follows a rigorous independent assessment and endorsement by ICMM’s Council, comprising member company CEOs, based on recommendations from the Independent Expert Review Panel (IERP). 

Priya Agarwal Hebbar, Chairperson, Hindustan Zinc, said: “Hindustan Zinc’s induction into the International Council on Mining and Metals (ICMM) marks a proud milestone – not just for our company, but for India. HZL is the first company from India to join this council. It reaffirms our commitment to sustainability, innovation, and responsible resource development, while creating new opportunities to collaborate with some of the world’s most respected leaders in mining. This is our moment to lead from the front, power the global energy transition and set new benchmarks for the industry.” 

  

With this milestone, Hindustan Zinc has committed to ICMM’s 40 performance expectations spanning Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) practices. These apply across all assets and require third-party validation. 

“It is both an honour and a big responsibility for Hindustan Zinc to become the first Indian company to join ICMM,” said Arun Misra, CEO & Whole-time Director, Hindustan Zinc. “This milestone marks a new chapter in our Sustainability 2.0 journey, grounded in transparency, innovation and global best practices. For us, sustainability and good business go hand in hand, and it is a strategic imperative to create lasting positive impact on our environment, our communities, and the industry at large. As we integrate ICMM’s principles across every facet of our operations, we look forward to sharing our insights and gaining perspectives from global peers, contributing to a safer, more responsible future for mining worldwide and the planet.”   

Rohitesh Dhawan, President and CEO, ICMM, said: “We are delighted to welcome Hindustan Zinc Limited as ICMM’s first Indian member. Hindustan Zinc Limited’s membership will not only strengthen our collective efforts but also reinforce its own leadership within India’s mining industry. This is a significant milestone for ICMM – our first new member since Boliden joined in 2021 and a key step in deepening our engagement in the region. The growing interest from companies in joining ICMM reflects the positive momentum we’re seeing in our mission to influence the broader mining industry.” 

Headquartered in Udaipur, Hindustan Zinc operates silver-lead-zinc underground mines, smelters, and allied infrastructure across northwest India. The IERP recognised its leadership in tailings management, decarbonisation, circular economy, and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI).   

Hindustan Zinc was ranked the world’s most sustainable metals and mining company by the S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment in 2023 and 2024. It has set 2030 Sustainable Goals targeting climate action, biodiversity, water stewardship, circularity, and inclusive growth, with a commitment to achieve net zero by 2050 or earlier. The company was the first in India’s metals and mining sector to secure Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi) validation for 1.5°C-aligned goals and has reduced GHG emissions intensity by 15 per cent in FY25 from a 2020 baseline. It also produced Asia’s first low-carbon zinc, EcoZen, using renewable power, and has an Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) verified portfolio. 

Hindustan Zinc’s ICMM membership positions it as a global benchmark for responsible mining, enhancing India’s role in shaping the future of ethical and sustainable resource development.