Hindustan Zinc and CIMIC Group Companies join hands

Hindustan Zinc Limited (BSE: 500188 & NSE: HINDZINC), a Vedanta Group company and the world’s largest integrated zinc producer, announced that it has awarded contracts to CIMIC Group companies Sedgman and Leighton Asia for the development of India’s first zinc tailings recycling facility at its flagship Rampura Agucha Mines (RAM) in Rajasthan.

Tailings are finely ground remnants left after mineral extraction. While traditionally classified as waste, tailings often contain residual quantities of valuable metals that were not recoverable through earlier processing technologies. The one-of-its-kind facility at Rampura Agucha will deploy advanced processing techniques to recover metals such as zinc and silver from previously processed tailings, transforming legacy waste into valuable resources and reinforcing a circular approach to mining.

The project is a strategic national milestone, aligned with India’s focus on resource efficiency, circular economy practices, and strengthening domestic critical minerals supply. The initiative forms a key pillar of Hindustan Zinc’s broader strategy to build a future-ready, multi-metal portfolio while strengthening India’s critical minerals ecosystem.  By unlocking value from legacy tailings, the facility will reduce environmental footprint, improve land utilisation, and enhance long-term resource security for the country.

Arun Misra, CEO – Hindustan Zinc Limited, said: “India’s next phase of industrial growth will be defined not just by how much we mine, but by how intelligently we use what we already have. This project represents a fundamental shift in mining, from extraction to optimisation, and from linear consumption to circular value creation. By establishing India’s first zinc tailings recycling facility at global scale, Hindustan Zinc is creating a blueprint for how legacy resources can be re-engineered into future supply, strengthening the nation’s critical minerals security. Our collaboration with Sedgman’s global minerals processing expertise and Leighton Asia’s on-ground infrastructure execution brings together the best of technology and delivery to set new benchmarks for responsible mining.”

This development comes as part of the company’s plan to double its production capacity. Earlier in August, the Board of Hindustan Zinc approved an investment of up to ₹3,823 crore for the development of a 10 million tonnes per annum (Mtpa) zinc tailings recycling facility at Rampura Agucha, targeted for completion within 28 months from the zero date. Following this approval, Hindustan Zinc has now awarded contracts valued CIMIC Group companies for engineering, procurement and construction activities.

Under the contracts, Sedgman, a global leader in minerals processing, will deliver detailed engineering and offshore equipment procurement, while Leighton Asia, a long-standing infrastructure delivery partner with a strong presence in India, will manage onshore procurement and construction. The project brings together advanced processing technologies, global expertise and local execution capabilities to support India’s clean energy, infrastructure and advanced manufacturing ambitions.

Juan Santamaría, ACS Group and HOCHTIEF Chief Executive Officer and CIMIC Group Executive Chairman, said: “This project highlights Sedgman’s leadership in minerals processing and Leighton Asia’s proven capability in infrastructure delivery. It reflects CIMIC Group’s strategic commitment to supporting the global energy transition through critical minerals development. Modern tailings reprocessing unlocks new opportunities to recover essential minerals that power clean energy technologies and digital infrastructure.”