Green hydrogen in mining: Hindustan Zinc to assess underground fuel use

Hindustan Zinc Ltd said it has signed an MoU with Advantek Associates LLP and Aero Eagle Automobiles Pvt Ltd. The partners will assess green hydrogen and other clean-energy options across Hindustan Zinc operations. The company told BSE the work will review technologies that can cut carbon emissions. It also aims to support low-carbon mining across sites.

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The company said the effort fits its wider plan for technology-led, future-ready mining. Hindustan Zinc linked the collaboration to its target of reaching Net Zero by 2050 or sooner. It noted that mining and heavy industry remain hard to decarbonise. Cleaner fuels like hydrogen are gaining attention for high-energy uses.

Hindustan Zinc green hydrogen plan for mining operations

Under the MoU, the partners will carry out detailed feasibility checks for hydrogen-based systems. This includes green hydrogen production, storage, and dispensing facilities. The review will also cover hydrogen-powered equipment suited to mining and industrial needs. Hindustan Zinc said it wants options that match its long-term decarbonisation roadmap.

Hindustan Zinc green hydrogen technology options under review

The assessment will examine Hydrogen Internal Combustion Engine H2-ICE and fuel cell technologies. Hindustan Zinc said these tools may suit energy-intensive work that is hard to electrify. The company also expects the study to consider operational efficiency. It added that the shift should support sustainable value creation.

Hindustan Zinc green hydrogen use in underground mining

A major focus will be hydrogen fuel in underground mining settings. Hindustan Zinc said in its BSE filing it plans to pioneer hydrogen fuel for underground mining applications. The company added it could become the only firm to deploy the technology in such environments. It also said the move places it among early Indian miners assessing this use.

With inputs from PTI