Hindustan Zinc partners Virginia Tech to boost silver recovery research

Hindustan Zinc Limited has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Virginia Tech to advance research aimed at improving silver recovery across its lead–zinc concentrator operations.In an exchange filing on Thursday, March 5, the company said that the collaboration will focus on scientific studies to refine flotation methods, a process used to separate and concentrate valuable metals from mined ore, and optimise the use of reagents, or specialised chemicals used during mineral processing.

The effort is expected to help enhance concentrate quality and improve operational efficiency at Hindustan Zinc’s processing plants.
Arun Misra, CEO of Hindustan Zinc, said, “We believe the next phase of growth in the metals and mining sector will be powered by science, innovation, and collaboration.”Virginia Tech, a public research university based in Blacksburg, Virginia, is recognised for its work in mining engineering, mineral processing and metallurgical research.

Through the partnership, the university will work with Hindustan Zinc to study metallurgical factors influencing flotation selectivity and metal recovery, particularly interactions between reagents, minerals and water that affect process stability and concentrate quality.

“By working with leading global institutions, we continue to build capabilities that will define the next generation of mining excellence,” Misra added.Aaron Noble, head of the Department of Mining and Minerals Engineering at Virginia Tech, said, “By working directly with industry, we can apply our cutting-edge research on mineral recovery to real operational challenges and opportunities. This ensures our discoveries go beyond advancing knowledge.”

The research will also examine how recovery processes can be adapted for future ore variability and changing plant conditions. According to Hindustan Zinc, the findings are expected to support both short-term operational improvements and long-term strategies for plant optimisation.

As part of the collaboration, Hindustan Zinc’s technical teams will participate in knowledge-sharing initiatives, including workshops, training programmes and technical exchanges aimed at strengthening in-house metallurgical capabilities.

Hindustan Zinc, a Vedanta Group company, is the world’s largest integrated zinc producer and among the top five silver producers globally. The company operates several lead–zinc concentrators where mined ore is processed to separate and recover metals such as zinc, lead and silver.

Last month, the company signed a strategic MoU with Tripura Group to operationalise a manufacturing unit at its proposed Zinc Park in Rajasthan.

Shares of Hindustan Zinc Ltd were trading 2.25% up at ₹604.55 as of 11.18 am. The stock has gained 47% in the past 12 months.