Hindustan Zinc Partners with Epiroc to Enhance Mining Safety with Advanced Collision Avoidance System!

Hindustan Zinc, India’s only major zinc producer and the world’s largest integrated zinc producer, has taken a major step toward advancing mine safety and efficiency by partnering with global mining equipment leader Epiroc. The two companies have signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) to introduce Epiroc’s state-of-the-art Collision Avoidance System (CAS) across Hindustan Zinc’s underground mines, beginning with the Sindesar Khurd Mine in Rajasthan’s Rajsamand district. Known as one of the top five silver-producing mines globally, Sindesar Khurd will serve as the pilot site for this cutting-edge digital safety solution before a broader rollout across Hindustan Zinc’s mining operations.

The initiative reflects a growing emphasis on safety, sustainability, and digital transformation in the mining sector. In its first phase, the project will focus on equipping 30 Low Profile Dump Trucks (LPDTs) with CAS technology. These trucks, essential for ore transport in underground operations, will be fitted with real-time proximity detection systems that issue both visual and audible alerts to operators, ensuring they remain aware of nearby vehicles and personnel. By enhancing situational awareness, the system aims to reduce collision risks and improve decision-making in high-pressure underground environments.

At the core of the Collision Avoidance System are advanced proximity sensors, operator display units, and wearable personal tags. These components are seamlessly integrated into a centralized platform that enables continuous data collection, safety audits, and compliance monitoring. The system is modular and designed to integrate with existing fleets, offering a multi-layered approach to risk management. It provides early warnings, operator prompts, and in certain cases, autonomous interventions to help avoid potential accidents. This not only enhances worker safety but also improves fleet performance and operational efficiency.

Arun Misra, CEO and Whole-time Director of Hindustan Zinc, emphasized the company’s commitment to responsible mining, noting, “Zinc, lead, and silver are essential metals for clean energy technologies, and as the world’s largest integrated zinc producer, we are committed to digital innovations that boost safety and productivity. The deployment of Epiroc’s Collision Avoidance System in our mines reflects our dedication to operational excellence and technological leadership, ensuring safe, sustainable, and intelligent mining solutions.”

Echoing this sentiment, Helena Hedblom, President and CEO of Epiroc AB, said, “Our partnership with Hindustan Zinc is a milestone in the evolution of mining safety technology. The Collision Avoidance System demonstrates the power of digital innovation to reduce risks proactively, providing intelligent sensing, real-time alerts, and autonomous vehicle control. We are proud to collaborate with Hindustan Zinc in delivering a scalable solution that ensures the safety of personnel while enhancing operational efficiency, setting a new global standard for underground mining safety.”

The deployment will progress in two phases. Phase one includes the installation, calibration, operator training, and ongoing maintenance of the CAS on the 30 LPDTs at Sindesar Khurd. Phase two will expand the solution to Hindustan Zinc’s full underground fleet, ensuring standardized safety protocols across all its Rajasthan mines.

This collaboration aligns with Hindustan Zinc’s strong commitment to Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles. The company was recently recognized as the most sustainable metals and mining company in the world for the second consecutive year in the 2024 S\&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment and became the first Indian firm to join the International Council on Mining & Metals (ICMM) in 2025. With more than five decades of experience, Hindustan Zinc continues to embrace automation, remote operations, and precision monitoring, advancing its mission of building a safer, smarter, and more sustainable mining industry.