Advancing Smelting Technologies: From traditional smelting to cutting-edge integration

With a wealth of experience and expertise, C Chandru, the CEO of Smelters at Hindustan Zinc Limited, has been instrumental in steering Hindustan Zinc towards technological advancements and operational excellence. In this exclusive interview, we discuss the innovative approaches adopted by Hindustan Zinc, exploring its evolution from traditional smelting methods to the integration of cutting-edge technologies such as AI, drones, and IoT. Join us as we uncover the insights and strategies driving Hindustan Zinc's success in the ever-evolving landscape of smelting technologies. Excerpts

- Aanchal Ghatak

C CHANDRU
CEO, Smelters, Hindustan Zinc Limited

Can you provide an overview of Hindustan Zinc Limited's smelting facilities, including their Locations and distinctive features? 

Hindustan Zinc operates smelting facilities across Rajasthan, with smelters situated in Chanderiya, Dariba, and Debari, alongside Zinc-Lead-Silver metal refineries located in Pantnagar, Uttarakhand. Since its disinvestment in 2002, the company has witnessed a remarkable five-fold increase in its Zinc, Lead, and Silver metal production capacities, with the current capacity exceeding 1.123 million tonnes per annum compared to 204,000 tonnes per annum in 2002.

The Chanderiya Smelting Complex in Chittorgarh district stands as the world's second-largest singlelocation integrated Zinc smelting complex, boasting a Zinc production capacity of 558,000 tonnes and a Lead production capacity of 85,000 tonnes per annum. It is complemented by captive power plants generating 234 MW, along with additional green power through waste heat recovery boilers.

The Dariba Smelting Complex in Rajsamand district has a production capacity of 250,000 tonnes of Zinc and 125,000 tonnes of Lead per annum. Notably, it is self-sufficient with Zinc and Lead smelters and captive power plants of 170 MW strategically positioned near the Sindesar Khurd Mine and Rajpura Dariba Mine. Debari, in Udaipur district, houses India's oldest Zinc smelter with a Zinc metal production capacity of 88,000 tonnes per annum. Additionally, the Zinc, Lead, and Silver metal refinery in Pantnagar can produce 800 metric tonnes of Silver annually. These facilities collectively underscore Hindustan Zinc Limited's prominent position in the metal production industry.

How has Hindustan Zinc evolved from traditional smelting methods to incorporating advanced technologies such as Al, drones, and loT in its operations?