Closure and Rehabilitation Planning
All Hindustan Zinc's operations are required to follow the requirements with regard to the mechanisms for decommissioning and site closure. All the operations ensure the mechanisms for undertaking decommissions and site closure meet the requirements of international standards (e.g., IFC development/performance standards, IFC EHS guidelines and ICMM principles) and impact assessment and consultation processes where these apply. This site closure plan follows a detailed and structured framework and plan, which is detailed in the technical standard on Site Closure.
Key Aspects of Mine Closure Plans
- Focus on identifying, minimising, and managing environmental, social, health & safety, and reputational risks associated with closure
- Incorporate land rehabilitation, ecosystem restoration, and long-term stability of closed sites
- Define post closure land use in consultation with communities and government authorities
- Ensure compliance with ICMM Principles, IFC Performance Standards, IFC EHS Guidelines, internal technical closure standards, and statutory requirements
- Include detailed environmental and social impact and risk assessments
- Assign clear accountability for implementation and monitoring throughout the closure process
How Closure Plans Are Developed & Updated
We adopt a progressive mine closure approach, aligned with the guidelines of the Indian Bureau of Mines (IBM), Government of India, wherein closure plans are developed in parallel with mining plans, ensuring that environmental, social, and economic considerations are integrated throughout the operational phase. This forward-looking strategy enables us to rehabilitate land systematically, restore biodiversity, and support post-mining community resilience in a phased and responsible manner.
Foundational Approach
- Systematic environmental & social baseline studies
- Impact assessments and technical evaluations
- Prepared from the early stages of the project
Continuous Refinement Throughout Mine Lifecycle
- Stakeholder engagement, including consultations with local communities and authorities
- Formally updated at least once in every five years or earlier when significant operational changes occur
Governance and Funding
- Sufficient funds are set aside for both planned or premature closure scenarios
- Necessary approvals from statutory authorities are secured for both the progressive and final mine closure plans
- Progress is communicated periodically to internal teams and relevant external stakeholders