Hindustan Zinc Limited, the world’s largest integrated zinc producer and among the top five silver producers globally, has won the ‘Best BRSR Report – Manufacturing (Large Cap)’ at the 4th ICAI Sustainability Reporting Awards, organised by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI). The recognition highlights the company’s sustained focus on ethical governance, responsible manufacturing, and transparent ESG disclosures, aligned with global sustainability standards.
In India, Business Responsibility and Sustainability Reporting (BRSR) is the SEBI-mandated ESG disclosure framework for the top 1,000 listed companies, designed to bring consistency, comparability, and accountability to corporate sustainability reporting.
Data-Driven, Governance-Led Reporting Stands Out
Importantly, the award reflects a broader shift in investor and regulatory expectations—from narrative-heavy disclosures to decision-useful, measurable, and verifiable ESG data.
Hindustan Zinc’s FY25 BRSR stood out for its:
*Governance-led disclosures
*Quantified ESG performance metrics
*Clear presentation of risks and opportunities
*Transparent, comparable reporting
*The report covered critical material indicators including:
*Energy use and emissions
*Water stewardship
*Biodiversity conservation
*Occupational health and safety
*Community development
*Ethical business conduct
Together, these disclosures offered stakeholders deeper clarity and accountability.
Leadership View: Transparency Builds Trust
Arun Misra, CEO, Hindustan Zinc, emphasised the company’s long-term commitment to responsible operations. “This recognition reinforces our belief that sustainability must be embedded in how we operate, govern and report. Transparent, high-quality disclosure is not a compliance exercise; it is fundamental to building long-term trust,” he said. He added that the company will continue pairing measurable on-ground action with credible reporting as it advances toward a responsible,
multi-metal future.
Early Adopter of Global Reporting Standards
Notably, Hindustan Zinc has consistently stayed ahead of regulatory mandates. The company voluntarily adopted BRSR reporting in FY22, a year before it became compulsory under SEBI norms, signalling a proactive ESG approach.
Over the years, it has developed a robust reporting framework that includes:
*Sustainability Report aligned with Global Reporting Initiative (GRI)
*Alignment with UN Global Compact principles
*Participation in FIMI Sustainable Mining Initiative
*Dedicated Climate Action Report aligned with IFRS S2 (earlier TCFD)
*India’s first TNFD report in the metals and mining sector
*Integrated Annual Report recognised by LACP
Additionally, the company has strengthened transparency through voluntary disclosures on tax practices and nature-related risks, reinforcing credibility with investors.
Accelerating Renewable Energy and Decarbonisation
Beyond reporting excellence, Hindustan Zinc continues to integrate sustainability across operations. In March 2025, the company signed a round-the-clock Power Delivery Agreement with Serentica Renewables, increasing its green power capacity to 530 MW. This move supports its goal of sourcing 70% of total electricity from renewables by FY28.
The transition aligns with its:
*Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi)-validated decarbonisation roadmap
*Commitment to achieve Net Zero emissions by 2050 or earlier
*Alignment with UN Sustainable Development Goals
During the year, the company:
*Saved 6.7 lakh tonnes of GHG emissions
*Increased renewable energy share to nearly 19% of total power mix
*Global Recognition and Responsible Mining Leadership
*Hindustan Zinc’s sustainability credentials have also earned global recognition.
The company was ranked the world’s most sustainable metals and mining company for the third consecutive year in the S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment. Further strengthening its position, it became India’s first member of the International Council on Mining and Metals (ICMM), underscoring its commitment to responsible mining practices.
Outlook: Building a Green, Multi-Metal Future
As it expands beyond zinc into a broader multi-metal portfolio, Hindustan Zinc continues to combine green technologies, operational excellence, and governance-led growth. With strong ESG frameworks, measurable climate action, and credible disclosures, the company is positioning itself as one of India’s most forward-looking and sustainable industrial players. As reported by indiacsr.in, the ICAI award not only recognises reporting excellence but also reinforces the company’s broader ambition to lead the sector in transparent, accountable, and responsible growth.
