From Heritage to modern mining excellence
Zawar group of mines in Rajasthan is the world's oldest known site of industrial-scale zinc mining and smelting. While Europe only mastered zinc smelting in 1743 CE, the metallurgists of Zawar were perfecting the craft as early as 750 BCE. Its transformation from an ancient metallurgical pioneer to a 21st century automated powerhouse is a remarkable journey of innovation spanning over 2,500 years.
Zawar at a glance
Of zinc mining and smelting heritage (one of the world’s oldest known)
Multi-mine cluster
Mochia, Balaria, Zawarmala, and Baroi
A Heritage of Innovation and Transformation
Key inflection points in Zawar's journey
- c.500 BCE - Early industrial zinc production at Zawar using zinc retort (reverse distillation) technology with precise temperature control and water-cooled chambers, intricately crafted clay pots coated with turmeric to collect pure zinc vapour, and ancient furnaces
- 1966 - Nationalisation of Hindustan Zinc Limited
- 1972-1988 - Ramp-up of modern mining at Zawar
- 2009-2013 - Ore production reached c.1.0 Mnt; expansion project initiated (2012)
- 2022 - Mined metal production reached c.160 ktpa; resources & reserves (R&R) stood at c.154 Mnt
- 2025-2026 - Ore production reached 4.36 Mnt and mined metal production c.214 ktpa
Exploration
Conventional diamond drilling
Mine Drives and Drilling
Jack hammer drilling
Stoping
Jack Hammer Stopes
Loading & Hauling
U-Tub & Loco hauling
Advanced underground mining capabilities
- Specialisation in narrow vein lens designing and mining
- Use of bulk emulsion explosive with mechanised charging
- Mechanised raise boring with zero exposure of personnel
Zawar Today
Zawar today stands not just as a heritage landmark, but as a modern, mechanised mining cluster. It demonstrates how India's metallurgical legacy can be scaled through technology, safety, and sustainable operating practices.
Scale & productivity
Ore production (▲ 4× since disinvestment in FY2002)
Mined metal output (highest-ever)
Resource base
R&R (highest among Hindustan Zinc’s mines)
Exploration outperformance
Surface drilling (highest-ever)
Operational milestones at Balaria
Ore production (highest)
Raise at Balaria (longest)
Women inclusion
underground all-women mine rescue team
operations for women
Technology & safety
operated underground dewatering system at Mochia