DBT Bureau
Pune, 5 March 2026
Hindustan Zinc Limited has entered into a research collaboration with Virginia Tech to enhance silver recovery from its lead–zinc (Pb–Zn) concentrators. These concentrators are specialized processing plants where mined ore is treated through flotation to separate and concentrate valuable metals such as lead, zinc and silver.
Under the partnership, the two organizations will undertake scientific studies aimed at refining flotation techniques and optimizing the use of reagents—specialized chemicals used during processing to help separate and concentrate metals. The initiative is expected to improve concentrate quality while enhancing operational efficiency across Hindustan Zinc’s processing facilities.
Virginia Tech, a globally recognized public land-grant research university based in Blacksburg, Virginia, is known for its expertise in mining engineering, mineral processing and applied metallurgical research. Through this partnership, Hindustan Zinc will work closely with the university to leverage global research perspectives and technical knowledge, contributing to stronger process understanding and ongoing improvements across its concentrator operations.
The collaboration will focus on building a deeper scientific understanding to enhance silver recovery across Hindustan Zinc’s Pb–Zn concentrators, considering current plant configurations as well as the variability expected in future ore types. The study will examine key metallurgical factors influencing flotation selectivity and overall metal recovery, with particular emphasis on reagent–mineral–water interactions that play a critical role in process stability and concentrate quality.
Commenting on the development, Arun Misra, CEO, Hindustan Zinc, said: “At Hindustan Zinc, we believe the next phase of growth in the metals and mining sector will be powered by science, innovation, and collaboration. Our partnership with Virginia Tech represents an important step in strengthening our knowledge ecosystem and preparing our operations for the future. By working with leading global institutions, we continue to build capabilities that will define the next generation of mining excellence.
“This partnership with Hindustan Zinc reflects collaboration that drives meaningful impact,” said Aaron Noble, head of the Department of Mining and Minerals Engineering at Virginia Tech. “By working directly with industry, we can apply our cutting-edge research on mineral recovery to real operational challenges and opportunities. This ensures our discoveries go beyond advancing knowledge. We’re translating this research into more efficient resource use, stronger supply chains, and tangible benefits for the broader mining sector.”
The project will also work toward defining optimized operating approaches and reagent regimes to support greater process stability, improved concentrate quality, and more consistent operating outcomes. The findings will help shape both short-term and longterm strategies, supported by diagnostics, laboratory evaluations, and technical assessments designed for practical implementation across operations.
A key component of the partnership will be knowledge transfer and technical capacity building for Hindustan Zinc’s teams through structured workshops, training sessions, and technical exchanges focused on plant optimization, reagent strategy and process improvement.
This collaboration further reinforces Hindustan Zinc’s strategic focus on strengthening its technology and innovation capabilities through global partnerships. Over the years, the company has worked with leading academic and research institutions such as IITs, CSIR laboratories, and JNCASR (Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research) on initiatives spanning mineral processing, critical metals research, zincbased battery technologies, and process optimization. These collaborations have played an important role in building in-house technical capability, accelerating innovation, and supporting Hindustan Zinc’s long-term vision of being a technologyfirst, future-ready metals company.
