Hindustan Zinc Taps Virginia Tech for R&D

Hindustan Zinc, a Vedanta Group subsidiary, is the world's 3rd largest silver producer. Its Sindesar Khurd Mine in Rajasthan is also the world's second-largest silver-producing mine. The company's focus on enhancing silver recovery is crucial as it has recently reported declines in silver production, citing operational challenges. The collaboration provides access to Virginia Tech's Department of Mining and Minerals Engineering, which is ranked among the top programs in the United States. The university has a 130-year history in the field and is known for its world-class research and strong industry connections, focusing on the sustainable extraction of critical minerals. This research and development effort comes as industrial demand for silver is surging. More than half of all silver consumed globally is for industrial applications, where it is an irreplaceable component in electronics, solar panels, and electric vehicles due to its high electrical conductivity. Demand from the solar and EV sectors is a primary driver for the market. Electric vehicles require nearly double the amount of silver as conventional cars, and the rapidly growing photovoltaic industry uses silver paste as a critical component in solar cells. This focus on green energy applications is transforming silver from a precious metal into an essential technology metal.