Page 9 - Bullion World Volume 04 issue 12 December 2024

Silver IconS of India

For decades, Hindustan Zinc primarily focused on zinc extraction, with silver relegated to a
secondary status. The company lacked advanced extraction processes, resulting in minimal
silver production despite its presence in the ores. However, the Rajasthan Zinc Belt remained
one of the richest untapped deposits of zinc and silver in the world, setting the stage for
Hindustan Zinc’s future dominance in global silver production.

A Strategic Shift:

Recognizing Silver’s True Value

The 1980s marked a pivotal period for Hindustan
Zinc. As global demand for silver surged, driven by
its growing applications in electronics, solar energy,
and jewellery, Hindustan Zinc began to realize silver's
potential. While zinc remained its primary output,
the rising value of silver encouraged investments in
refining technologies to boost silver recovery. By the
late 1980s, the company optimized its extraction
methods, improving both the efficiency and yield of
silver during smelting.

This strategic shift laid the foundation for Hindustan
Zinc’s rise as a global leader in silver production. Over
time, silver output steadily grew, transforming from a
secondary focus into a key driver of the company’s
success.

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