Hindustan Zinc Limited's Chanderiya Lead Zinc Smelter (CLZS) has become the first site in India to secure Zinc Mark validation under the Copper Mark assurance process. The validation followed a comprehensive review of CLZS's independent assessment report by The Copper Mark, which confirmed the competence of the independent assessors and the integrity of the assessment process and findings. The outcome reflects sustained implementation of robust policies and responsible operating practices aligned with global environmental, social and governance standards. The Zinc Mark is an internationally recognised assurance framework that independently assesses site-level performance against rigorous ESG criteria, including emissions, energy and water efficiency, waste management, biodiversity management, worker safety, human rights, stakeholder engagement and ethical business practices. The certification demonstrates operational-level performance rather than ratings and promotes continuous improvement. The validation arrives as demand for responsibly produced metals rises with the global energy transition and infrastructure development, reinforcing CLZS's credibility as a responsible contributor to manufacturing value chains. Hindustan Zinc said the achievement reflects its broader sustainability commitments underpinned by ambitious targets across decarbonisation, water positivity and biodiversity conservation. The company noted it has been named the world’s most sustainable metals and mining company for the third consecutive year in the S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment 2025 and became the first Indian member of the International Council on Mining and Metals in 2025. The group highlighted product and community initiatives, including the launch of EcoZen, Asia's first low carbon green zinc brand, certification as three point three two times water-positive and programmes transforming the lives of two point six million (mn) people. Hindustan Zinc, the world’s largest integrated zinc producer and among the top 10 silver producers, supplies to more than 40 countries and holds a market share of about 74 per cent of the primary zinc market in India. The company said Zinc Mark validation at CLZS strengthens trust across global value chains and supports positioning India as a credible supplier of sustainably produced metals. The Copper Mark framework's multi-stakeholder governance was cited as supporting responsible production of critical materials.