New Delhi | Dec 28, 2016: Vedanta Group firm Hindustan Zinc Ltd (HZL), the worlds second largest zinc producer, has got its environment clearance (EC) amended to further increase Lead-Zinc and Ore production capacity in Rajasthan.

"Based on the recommendations of the expert advisory committee (EAC), the Environment Ministry has given approval for amending the EC given to Hindustan Zinc for its expansion project in Rajasthan," a senior government official said.

In January 2016, HZL received EC for enhancing the production capacity of Lead-Zinc from 2 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) to 3.75 MTPA and Ore beneficiation from 2 MTPA to 4.25 MTPA for Sindesar Khurd underground mine in Rajsamand district. The cost of the expansion project was estimated Rs 2,240 crore.

However in September, HZL approached the Environment Ministry seeking amendment to the EC for further increasing the production capacity of Lead-Zinc to 4.5 MTPA and Ore beneficiation to 5 MTPA. The additional project cost was estimated at Rs 740 crore.

The company has informed that the total land requirement for the existing operational facility is 148.84 hectare and the proposed capacity enhancement will be restricted to this area.

The Sindesar Khurd deposit is located 6 km away from Rajpura Dariba Mines in Rajsamand district.

Udaipur-based HZL has its operations in exploration, mining, ore processing, smelting and refining of Zinc, Lead and Silver. It is also a major producer of sulphuric acid, as a by-product of lead-zinc metal processing. HZL also has interest in wind and thermal power generation.

(Source: http://indiatoday.intoday.in/)