Hindustan Zinc Explores Green Hydrogen for Mining Operations, Signs MoU with Advantek Associates and Aero Eagle Automobiles

Key Highlights:

• Hindustan Zinc signs MoU with Advantek Associates and Aero Eagle Automobiles.

• Company to explore green hydrogen solutions for mining operations.

• Focus on hydrogen use in underground mining applications.

• Feasibility studies to cover H2-ICE, fuel cells, storage, and infrastructure.

• Initiative supports Hindustan Zinc's Net Zero 2050 sustainability goals.

Hindustan Zinc Limited, the world's largest integrated zinc producer and one of the top 10 silver producers globally, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Advantek Associates LLP and Aero Eagle Automobiles Private Limited to explore the adoption of green hydrogen and other clean energy solutions across its mining operations.

With this initiative, Hindustan Zinc is set to become a pioneer in India's mining sector by evaluating the use of hydrogen fuel in underground mining applications. The company aims to assess innovative technologies that can help reduce carbon emissions and support the transition towards sustainable and future-ready mining operations.

Focus on Low-Carbon and Sustainable Mining

The collaboration is part of Hindustan Zinc's long-term strategy to build technology-driven, low-carbon mining operations. The initiative also supports the company's commitment to achieve Net Zero emissions by 2050 or earlier.

Mining and heavy industries are among the most challenging sectors to decarbonize due to their high energy requirements and dependence on heavy machinery. Hydrogen is emerging as a promising clean fuel option for applications that are difficult to electrify. Through this partnership, Hindustan Zinc plans to evaluate how hydrogen-based technologies can contribute to its decarbonization goals while improving operational efficiency and creating sustainable value.

Hydrogen Solutions to be Evaluated

Under the MoU, the partners will conduct detailed studies on various hydrogen technologies, including:

• Green hydrogen generation

• Hydrogen storage systems

• Hydrogen dispensing infrastructure

• Hydrogen-powered equipment

• Hydrogen Internal Combustion Engine (H2-ICE) technology

• Fuel cell technologies for mining and industrial operations

A major focus of the collaboration will be assessing the feasibility of using hydrogen-powered solutions in underground mining environments, making Hindustan Zinc one of the early movers in India to explore such applications.

Phased Implementation Approach

The initiative will follow a phased implementation strategy. The first phase will include comprehensive technical, operational, safety, environmental, and financial feasibility studies.

Based on the results of these assessments, the project may be expanded to cover a wider range of applications, including:

• Underground mining equipment

• Heavy earth-moving machinery

• Surface and underground vehicles

• Generators

• Other operational assets across mining sites

The partnership is also expected to strengthen Hindustan Zinc's internal capabilities in next-generation fuel technologies and accelerate the adoption of sustainable energy solutions within the metals and mining industry.

CEO's Statement

Commenting on the development, Arun Misra, CEO of Hindustan Zinc Limited, said:

"At Hindustan Zinc, we are focused on pioneering solutions that can redefine the future of sustainable mining. 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 collaboration is a forward-looking step in evaluating hydrogen-based technologies, including their potential application in underground mining, as we continue to build a future-ready metals business aligned with global sustainability benchmarks."

Supporting ESG and Sustainability Goals

The hydrogen initiative aligns with Hindustan Zinc's broader Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) roadmap, which focuses on decarbonization, energy transition, and responsible natural resource management.

The company continues to advance its sustainability agenda through its Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi)-validated goals and its membership in the International Council on Mining and Metals (ICMM). As part of its clean energy transition efforts, Hindustan Zinc has already increased renewable energy's contribution to nearly 18% of its total power mix while improving operational efficiency through cleaner technologies.

Global Sustainability Recognition

Hindustan Zinc, a Vedanta Group company, was recognized as the world's most sustainable metals and mining company for the third consecutive year in the S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment 2025.

Through its collaboration with Advantek Associates and Aero Eagle Automobiles, the company aims to further integrate advanced clean energy technologies into its operations. The initiative reflects Hindustan Zinc's vision of building a low-carbon, sustainable, and future-ready metals industry while leading innovation in India's mining sector.

Also Read: Tata Motors Secures Over 3,400 Electric Commercial Vehicle Orders, Strengthens Leadership in India’s eCV Market

CMV360 Says

Hindustan Zinc's partnership with Advantek Associates and Aero Eagle Automobiles marks an important step towards cleaner and more sustainable mining operations in India. By exploring green hydrogen technologies for underground mining and heavy equipment, the company aims to reduce emissions and strengthen its decarbonization efforts. The initiative supports its Net Zero goals while promoting innovation, operational efficiency, and the adoption of next-generation clean energy solutions across the mining sector.