Drilling
Brownfield exploration success rate
Ore added
In FY 2023-24, our exploration team was successful in replenishing mined metal and enhancing the ore reserves, ensuring a sustained mine life of over 25 years at the current rate of metal production. Further advancing on this journey, we incorporated Hindmetal Exploration Services Private Limited as a wholly-owned subsidiary. This strategic move aligns with the Nation’s vision, and our focus on making new mineral discoveries pan India and increasing Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves (R&R) to unlock future growth opportunities.
In the past 12 years at Hindustan Zinc, I’ve led key achievements, including becoming the first female Brownfield Exploration Site Head and an Emerging Women Leader. I’ve optimised exploration strategies to increase reserves and enhance mining efficiency. Hindustan Zinc’s support and commitment to innovation have empowered my continuous learning and professional growth.
Geophysical work: Geophysical surveys were conducted across all locations to generate targets and collect ground data. The first-ever drone magnetic surveys were carried out to identify anomalies for new target areas across Zawar, Rampura Agucha, and Kayad Mines. The outcomes of these surveys, along with geochemical and geological inputs, are expected to aid in generating new exploration drilling targets.
Shallow angle (<45°) drilling at surface: Using state-of-the-art drilling technology and innovation, a shallow angle drill rig was conceptualised, developed and deployed, to explore zinc-lead rich ore body at a shallow surface. This was necessitated by various drill site constraints, and helped in successful retrieval of mineralisation or host package information near the surface, closer to mine development.
Our Group’s emphasis on fostering women leaders is commendable, providing numerous opportunities for growth. Mentorship and engagement with senior leadership have broadened my horizons and fuelled my ambitions. As an exploration geologist, I’ve significantly increased reserves and resources, showcasing the importance of pushing boundaries for success.
Digitalisation: Implemented Exploration Web GIS database application for the first time. The application serves as a centralised cloud-based repository for acquired historical and current exploration data. The application is customised with advanced workflows, facilitating real-time data integration.
We also implemented an R&R application featuring desired user interface (UI), informative graphics like charts and reports (for annual comparison), and dynamic dashboards for live information sharing with senior management.
With an overall brownfield exploration success rate of 93%, we successfully added 24.7 Mt ore with a contained metal of 1.85 Mt at a gross level during FY 2023-24, enhancing opportunities for sustained mine life and production growth. With all existing deposits open at depth and the identification of new targets within mining leases, we anticipate an increase in R&R over the next 12 months. Across all the sites, we executed c.486 km of drilling during the year, including c.162 km of surface and c.323 km of underground drilling. This enhanced mineral resources and helped upgrade resources to reserves, increasing our R&R base to sustain 25 years of mine life.
In FY 2023-24, we implemented many innovative and advanced technologies to scale our exploration programmes.
The Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves for Hindustan Zinc as of March 31, 2024 was audited by SRK Consulting (UK) Limited (“SRK”). Below are the R&R 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").
As of March 31, 2024, Hindustan Zinc’s exclusive mineral resources are estimated to be 281.23 Mt of material, grading 4.5% Zn, 2.0% Pb and 60 g/t Ag, which contains 12.68 Mt Zn, 5.52 Mt Pb and 542.14 Moz Ag. At current mining rates, the R&R underpins metal production for more than 25 years.
As of March 31, 2024, Hindustan Zinc’s ore reserves are estimated to be 175.09 Mt of material, grading 5.6% Zn, 1.6% Pb and 55 g/t Ag, which contains 9.86 Mt Zn, 2.75 Mt Pb and 312.17 Moz Ag.
In line with the expanded vision of Hindustan Zinc, we continue to make big strides towards deepening our focus on exploring, discovering, developing and tapping mineral resources. Our newly-formed subsidiary, ‘Hindmetal Exploration Services Private Limited’ is committed to becoming a leading exploration company, with interest in the exploration of all minerals across the globe by implementing best-in-class technologies and practices.
