Shares of Hindustan Zinc (HZL) were trading in the green and 1% higher on 29 August. This occurred after the company announced signing a memorandum of arrangement with Epiroc to improve mining safety.

According to a HZL statement, Epiroc’s Collision Avoidance System will be implemented at the Sindesar Khurd Mine in Rajasthan’s Rajsamand district. This is part of the agreement.

The equipment will be installed on 30 Low Profile Dump Trucks (LPDTs) used in underground ore transport as part of the pilot project. The system is intended to scan vehicles’ surroundings, detect nearby equipment and people, and provide real-time visual and audio alarms. This increases operator awareness and enhances overall risk management.

The Collision Avoidance System consists of proximity sensors, operator display units, and wearable tags. These are all linked to a central platform. This integration enables continuous data gathering and analysis, which aids in safety checks, adherence to laws, and decision making.

The system has a flexible, modular architecture that may be connected with current equipment. Early alerts, operator assistance, and automatic interventions are all safety measures that reduce crash risks.

The project will be carried out in two phases. In the initial phase, the system will be installed, calibrated, and tested on 30 LPDTs at Sindesar Khurd Mine. This will be followed by operator training and continuing maintenance. The second phase will apply the technology to Hindustan Zinc’s entire underground fleet in Rajasthan. This will result in a consistent safety framework for all operations.

Arun Misra, CEO and whole-time director, HZL, said, “Strategic metals like zinc, lead and silver are fundamental to the clean energy transition and modern technologies. As the world’s largest integrated zinc producer, Hindustan Zinc embraces digital innovations that elevate safety while enhancing productivity. The integration of Epiroc’s Collision Avoidance System at mines will consolidate our commitment to operational excellence and technological leadership. This initiative will underpin further expansion of intelligent safety solutions across our operations, ensuring safe, smart and sustainable mining.”

Helena Hedblom, President and CEO – Epiroc AB, added, “Our collaboration with Hindustan Zinc represents a landmark advancement in mining safety technology. The Collision Avoidance System exemplifies how digital innovation delivers proactive risk reduction through intelligent sensing, real-time alerts and autonomous vehicle control. We are proud to partner with Hindustan Zinc in deploying this adaptable, scalable solution that safeguards personnel while enhancing operational resilience. Together, we are establishing a global benchmark for safer, more efficient underground mining operations.”

Hindustan Zinc Exploring rare earths and critical minerals

HZL is also trying to diversify its portfolio into rare earths and other essential minerals. They are forming relationships with major players in artificial intelligence and drone exploration. Chairperson Priya Agarwal Hebbar made the statement at the company’s 59th Annual General Meeting on Monday.

“We are evolving from being India’s greatest and largest zinc and silver producing company to becoming a multi-metal future-enabling enterprise. We are actively pursuing copper, lithium, nickel, cobalt, potash and rare earth elements. This includes elements like neodymium from monazite, antimony, graphite and germanium,” Hebbar said.

Hindustan Zinc focusing on mineral security

Hebbar also highlighted India’s attempts to improve mineral security. She was referring to the government’s fifth tranche of mineral block auctions. For the first time, these auctions featured potash, tungsten, and rare earth elements.

“In a significant step toward strengthening India’s mineral security, the government conducted its fifth tranche auction. For the first time, it included blocks of potash, tungsten and rare earth elements. HZL emerged as a successful bidder for these key critical mineral plots,” Hebbar added.

At 1:50 pm, the shares of Hindustan Zinc were trading 0.047% higher at Rs 421.90 on NSE.

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