Key Enablers
In FY 2022-23, we implemented many innovative and advanced new technologies to scale our exploration efforts.
Geophysical surveys including the gravity survey and the ground magnetic survey were conducted at Zawar, Rajpura Dariba and Kayad mines for new target generation. It is expected that the integrated outcomes of geophysical surveys besides geochemical and geological inputs shall aid in augmenting our understanding of orebody geometry and mineralisation control.
Diamec Smart 6M, a next-generation drilling rig, was introduced for the first time at Hindustan Zinc and became a part of our underground (UG) exploratory drilling fleet. This advanced machine is equipped to penetrate deeper and retrieve information from greater depths. It has supported us in the designing of primary developments of upcoming UG levels, in a safe and cost-effective way. Deep Mobile Carrier Rig (MCR) has also accelerated the pace of resource upgradation, as was proved by drilling the deepest UG exploration hole of 1,120 metres at Rampura Agucha mine.
Automated rod handling system (ARHS) was introduced for the first time in the UG exploration drilling rig at Sindesar Khurd and Rampura Agucha mines. ARHS is a unique and completely hands-free rod handling system.
Being automated, it has the capability to add and remove the drill rods, inner tubes and core barrels on its own. It has served to enhance safety, improve productivity and reduce manpower.
In FY 2022-23, the highest ever exploration drilling of 540.8 km, comprising 205.2 km surface and 335.6 km underground, was executed across all sites of Hindustan Zinc
Shallow angle drilling, at surface, was enabled by deployment of UG rig – an underground-based MCR machine – used for exploration drilling to explore lead-zinc rich ore body at shallow surface. Due to various constraints, the limited capability of a surface drilling rig does not allow drilling at shallow angles less than 45 degrees. To overcome this limitation, an underground drilling MCR was deployed at the surface to successfully retrieve information of mineralisation or host package information near the surface at Zawar.
Implicit modelling has been implemented for the first time on a trial basis in one of the orebody deposits of Hindustan Zinc. A 3D model has been successfully generated with volume variance of ±2%, which is well within the acceptable limits. Implicit modelling is a 3D modelling technique which makes use of mathematical functions to automatically generate surface, taking drill-hole intervals as inputs, based on economics/cut-off/ litho-contacts, etc. The technique has resulted in time and cost savings and reduced the effort in creating 3D orebody models.
In FY 2022-23, the highest ever exploration drilling of 540.8 km, comprising 205.2 km surface and 335.6 km underground, was executed across all sites of Hindustan Zinc. The intense exploration drilling across Hindustan Zinc mine sites was carried out with a focus on gaining confidence on the Mineral Resources to enhance Ore Reserves by 31.2 Mt with contained metal of 1.59 Mt. Further, exploration drilling of potential target areas has resulted in gross Mineral Resources addition of 27.8 Mt ore with contained metal of 1.23 Mt. Over the next 12 months, our exploration team is looking for high potential near mine areas with high grade and widths, which will enable the mining team to immediately upgrade to Ore Reserves and increase ore production.
Similar to previous years, SRK Consulting (UK) Limited (SRK) has audited the Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves for Hindustan Zinc, with an effective date of March 31, 2023. Presented below are the Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves statements, reported in accordance with the Australasian Code for the Reporting of Exploration Results, Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves, the JORC Code, 2012 Edition (JORC).
Ore Reserves
As of March 31, 2023, Hindustan Zinc’s Ore Reserves are estimated to be 173.49 Mt of material, grading 5.6% Zn, 1.6% Pb and 56g/t Ag, which contains 9.64 Mt Zn, 2.7 Mt Pb and 310.2 Moz Ag.
Mineral Resources
As of March 31, 2023, Hindustan Zinc’s exclusive Mineral Resources are estimated to be 286.56 Mt of material, grading 4.5% Zn, 2% Pb and 59 g/t Ag, which contains 12.8 Mt Zn, 5.66 Mt Pb and 545.7 Moz Ag. At current mining rates, the R&R underpins metal production for more than 25 years.
Persistent exploration efforts on increasing confidence of Mineral Resources and upgradation of Ore Reserves will lead to fostering sustainable growth. Hindustan Zinc is committed towards the vision of replenishing every tonne of mined metal by adopting latest technologies in exploration.
Kuldeep Singh Solanki
Director – Exploration
Ore Reserves and Mineral Resources (R&R), as on March 31, 2023 (based on Annual R&R audit by SRK (UK))
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