Hindustan Zinc Drives Decarbonization: MoU to Pioneer Green Hydrogen in Mining

Udaipur, June 22, 2026 – In a bold move signaling a future-forward approach to sustainable mining, Hindustan Zinc Limited (HZL), the world’s largest integrated zinc producer, has announced a significant Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The company has partnered with Advantek Associates LLP and Aero Eagle Automobiles Private Limited to explore and deploy green hydrogen and alternative clean energy solutions across its extensive operations. This collaboration positions HZL as the first in India’s mining sector to embark on such an ambitious hydrogen fuel exploration, particularly targeting challenging underground mining environments.

This strategic initiative is deeply embedded in Hindustan Zinc’s overarching commitment to achieving Net Zero emissions by 2050 or sooner. Decarbonizing heavy industries like mining presents unique challenges, making innovative clean fuel technologies like hydrogen crucial. HZL’s partnership aims to conduct comprehensive feasibility studies, pilot projects, and phased deployments, assessing hydrogen applications across a wide spectrum: from heavy earth-moving machinery and surface vehicles to generators and the particularly complex underground mining assets. This proactive step underscores their dedication to evaluating Hydrogen Internal Combustion Engine (H2-ICE) and fuel cell technologies.

Arun Misra, CEO of Hindustan Zinc, highlighted the transformational potential, stating, “Hydrogen has the potential to support cleaner mobility, reduce emissions from heavy-duty equipment and create new pathways for decarbonising hard-to-abate industrial operations.” This partnership is a testament to HZL’s ongoing efforts to build future-ready, low-carbon, and technology-led mining operations, aligning with global sustainability benchmarks and strengthening its impressive ESG roadmap.

By pioneering the use of hydrogen in underground mining – a world-first – Hindustan Zinc is not just transforming its own operations but is setting a new standard for the entire global metals and mining industry. This proactive embrace of next-generation fuels is expected to enhance operational efficiency, ensure long-term sustainable value creation, and solidify HZL’s leadership as a beacon of responsible natural resource management.