The Epiroc-Hindustan Zinc Partnership: A Strategic Bet on Digital Safety in Mining

The mining industry is undergoing a transformative shift, driven by the convergence of industrial AI and ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) compliance. At the forefront of this evolution is the partnership between Epiroc, a global leader in mining equipment and technology, and Hindustan Zinc, India’s largest integrated zinc and lead producer. Their collaboration to deploy advanced digital safety systems, particularly the Collision Avoidance System (CAS), represents a strategic investment in both operational efficiency and sustainability. For investors, this partnership underscores a compelling opportunity to align capital with technologies that address critical industry pain points while advancing global climate goals.

A Digital Safety Revolution in Underground Mining

Hindustan Zinc’s Sindesar Khurd Mine in Rajasthan, one of the world’s top five silver-producing operations, is now a testbed for Epiroc’s CAS technology. The system, deployed on 30 Low Profile Dump Trucks (LPDTs), integrates proximity sensors, operator display units, and wearable personal tags to monitor real-time surroundings, issuing alerts to prevent collisions [1]. This initiative is part of a two-phase rollout: the first phase focuses on installation and training at Sindesar Khurd, while the second will expand the system across all of Hindustan Zinc’s underground mines in Rajasthan [2].

The CAS’s modular design allows for scalability and adaptability, ensuring it can evolve with operational needs. By reducing collision risks, the system not only enhances worker safety but also minimizes downtime and equipment damage, directly improving operational efficiency [3]. For investors, this represents a dual benefit: mitigating financial risks associated with accidents and optimizing productivity through AI-driven automation.

ESG Alignment: Safety, Emissions, and Energy Efficiency

The partnership’s ESG credentials are equally compelling. Hindustan Zinc has already demonstrated its commitment to sustainability by achieving a 6.7 lakh tonnes of GHG emission savings in FY25, surpassing its SDG target of 5 lakh tCO₂e [4]. This was driven by a 13% share of renewable energy in its power mix (up from 6% in FY24) and energy-efficiency measures like turbine upgrades and variable frequency drives [5]. The company’s long-term goal of net-zero emissions by 2050 aligns seamlessly with Epiroc’s own sustainability targets, including a 50% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2030 [6].

Epiroc’s broader portfolio of AI and electrification technologies further amplifies this alignment. For instance, the SmartROC T45 drill rig, equipped with a Rig Control System (RCS), optimizes fuel efficiency by monitoring engine performance and reducing unnecessary energy use [7]. Meanwhile, Epiroc’s circular economy initiatives—such as battery conversions and remanufacturing—extend equipment lifecycles and cut CO2 emissions by up to 70% compared to new components [8]. These innovations position the partnership as a model for how industrial AI can drive both profitability and planetary stewardship.

Strategic Implications for Investors

The Epiroc-Hindustan Zinc collaboration is more than a technological upgrade; it is a strategic bet on the future of mining. By integrating AI-driven safety systems and renewable energy solutions, the partnership addresses two of the industry’s most pressing challenges: operational risk and environmental impact. For investors, this synergy offers a unique opportunity to capitalize on a sector poised for growth while contributing to global decarbonization efforts.

A critical question remains: How scalable are these technologies across other mining operations? A visual analysis of Hindustan Zinc’s emission reductions over time could provide clarity.

Conclusion

The Epiroc-Hindustan Zinc partnership exemplifies how industrial AI and ESG compliance can coexist to create value. By prioritizing safety, efficiency, and sustainability, the collaboration not only strengthens Hindustan Zinc’s operational resilience but also aligns with global climate goals. For investors seeking to deploy capital in high-impact, future-ready technologies, this partnership is a clear signal of where the mining industry is headed.

Source:
[1] Hindustan Zinc Partners with Epiroc to Advance Digital Safety Technologies in Mining [https://www.hzlindia.com/media_press_releases/hindustan-zinc-partners-with-epiroc-to-advance-digital-safety-technologies-in-mining/]
[2] Hindustan Zinc partners with Epiroc on digital safety technologies [https://manufacturing.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/industry/hindustan-zinc-partners-with-epiroc-on-digital-safety-technologies/123566189]
[3] Epiroc launches Titan CAS Generation 4 to improve mining safety and efficiency [https://www.epiroc.com/de-de/newsroom/2024/epiroc-launches-titan-cas-generation-4-to-improve-mining-safety-and-efficiency]
[4] Hindustan Zinc saves 6.7 lakh tonnes of GHG emissions [https://www.hzlindia.com/media_press_releases/hindustan-zinc-saves-ghg-emissions-equivalent-to-powering-more-than-4-lakh-homes/]
[5] Hindustan Zinc records 6.7 lakh tonnes of GHG emission savings in FY25 [https://manufacturing.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/energy/hindustan-zinc-records-6-7-lakh-tonnes-of-ghg-emission-savings-in-fy25/122364022]
[6] Epiroc’s 2030 sustainability targets [https://www.epirocgroup.com/en/sustainability/use-resources-responsibly-and-efficiently]
[7] Epiroc Releases Upgrade for Surface Drill Rig SmartROC T45 [https://www.stoneworld.com/articles/92981-epiroc-releases-upgrade-for-surface-dill-rig-smartroc-t45]
[8] Epiroc unlocks economic and environmental sustainability through circular solutions [https://www.epiroc.com/en-us/newsroom/2025/epiroc-unlocks-sustainability-through-circular-solutions]