Hindustan Zinc Signs MoU with Virginia Tech to Boost Silver Recovery Research

New Delhi, March 5, 2026: Hindustan Zinc Limited has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Virginia Tech to advance scientific research aimed at improving silver recovery from lead–zinc concentrators. The partnership focuses on strengthening metallurgical capabilities through global academic collaboration and advanced research.

Under the agreement, both organizations will conduct scientific studies to enhance flotation techniques and optimize the use of reagents used in mineral processing. These improvements are expected to enhance concentrate quality, increase operational efficiency, and boost overall metal recovery across Hindustan Zinc’s processing plants.

Virginia Tech, a globally recognized research university based in Blacksburg, Virginia, United States, is known for its expertise in mining engineering and mineral processing. Through this collaboration, Hindustan Zinc will gain access to global research insights and technical expertise to strengthen its concentrator operations.

The research will focus on understanding metallurgical factors that affect flotation selectivity and metal recovery, particularly interactions between minerals, reagents, and water. The study will also consider current plant configurations and future ore variations to develop optimized processing strategies.

Commenting on the partnership, Arun Misra, CEO of Hindustan Zinc, said the collaboration reflects the company’s focus on science-driven innovation and global partnerships to drive the next phase of growth in the mining sector.

Aaron Noble, Head of the Department of Mining and Minerals Engineering at Virginia Tech, said the partnership will help apply advanced academic research to real industry challenges, improving resource efficiency and strengthening supply chains.

The project will also include knowledge transfer programs, technical workshops, and training sessions to help Hindustan Zinc teams enhance process optimization and operational efficiency.

This partnership further strengthens Hindustan Zinc’s focus on innovation. The company has previously collaborated with leading institutions such as Indian Institutes of Technology, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, and Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research on projects related to mineral processing, battery technologies, and critical metals research.

A part of the Vedanta Group, Hindustan Zinc is the world’s largest integrated zinc producer and among the top five silver producers globally, supplying metals to more than 40 countries.