“Rajasthan to host World's first Zinc Park”

 

In a landmark announcement at the Rising Rajasthan Global Investment Summit 2024, Vedanta's Hindustan Zinc, the world's second-largest integrated zinc producer, revealed plans to establish the world's first industrial Zinc Park in Rajasthan. The Honourable Chief Minister of Rajasthan, Shri Bhajan Lal Sharma, in the presence of the Honourable Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi, and Shri Anil Agarwal, Chairman of Vedanta Group, graced the occasion, marking a pivotal moment in Rajasthan's industrial future.

Shri Anil Agarwal, Chairman of Vedanta Group, highlighted the strategic importance of the Zinc Park as a key component of Vedanta's Rs 1 lakh crore investment across zinc, oil and gas, and renewable energy sectors in Rajasthan. The ambitious not-for-profit Zinc Park is set to become a transformative industrial ecosystem, supporting both upstream and downstream industries in metals and manufacturing. Priya Agarwal Hebbar, Chairperson of Hindustan Zinc Limited, and Shri Arun Misra, CEO of Hindustan Zinc Limited, were also present, underscoring the significance of this landmark initiative.

Strategic Location and World-Class Infrastructure
The proposed Zinc Park will be strategically located near Hindustan Zinc's state-of-the-art facilities, including the world's largest single-location zinc-lead smelter in Chanderiya, Chittorgarh, and premier plants in Dariba and Debari. It will create thousands of jobs and offer world-class infrastructure, developed industrial land, reliable utilities, a steady supply of raw materials, and competitive costs, enabling businesses to seamlessly establish operations.

The park will operate entirely on renewable energy, reflecting Hindustan's commitment to sustainability. It will provide a comprehensive platform for industries, catering to enterprises ranging from MSMEs to budding entrepreneurs, with initial investments as low as Rs 5 crore. Sectors requiring zinc, lead, silver, and related by-products, along with suppliers of raw materials, maintenance services, and equipment, will find a cost-effective and resource-efficient environment at the park.

The Zinc Park will also serve as a hub for innovation, offering access to Hindustan Zinc's Centre of Excellence and R&D facilities. It will foster collaboration in product development and the creation of bespoke alloys. A portion of Hindustan Zinc's metal production will be exclusively allocated to the park, ensuring supply chain reliability, just-in-time delivery, and a reduced carbon footprint. Rajasthan's robust institutional environment and policy benefits will further enhance the park's ability to access both domestic and global markets.

A Holistic Vision for Rajasthan's Growth
Shri Bhajan Lal Sharma, Honourable Chief Minister of Rajasthan, remarked, "We welcome Vedanta's initiative to establish the world's first Zinc Park in Rajasthan. The state's new double-engine government is committed to the Honourable Prime Minister's vision of a Viksit Bharat by 2047. Rajasthan offers the most business-friendly policies, incentives, and support in the country. With an abundance of resources and mega investments planned, we stand ready to assist entrepreneurs at every step."

Shri Anil Agarwal, Chairman of Vedanta Group, added, "The Zinc Park, which we will establish on a not-for-profit basis, will enable the setting up of hundreds of MSMEs and create massive employment opportunities. Rajasthan's abundance of natural resources, including hydrocarbons, zinc, lead, silver, and copper, makes it a land of remarkable potential. Vedanta is fully committed to Rajasthan, and our cumulative investment of over Rs 2.5 lakh crore in the state will significantly enhance its industrial ecosystem, generate jobs for over 2 lakh people, and drive exponential economic growth."

A Promising Future for Rajasthan
Ahead of the summit, Vedanta announced a fresh Rs 1 lakh crore investment in Rajasthan, expected to catalyse the creation of over 2 lakh jobs and support more than 500 downstream industries across sectors. Hindustan Zinc plans to double its zinc production capacity, expand silver production, and establish India's first fertiliser plant. Cairn Oil & Gas will boost oil production, while Serentica Renewables will develop 10,000 MW of renewable energy capacity.