- Hindustan Zinc will become the first mining company in India to introduce electric vehicles in UG mines
- This partnership will help HZL in achieving its mission for ‘Sustainable Operations for healthier mining & greener tomorrow’
A pioneer in adopting innovative solutions and smart technologies for responsible mining, Hindustan Zinc sets another benchmark by introducing Front Line battery-powered service equipment in underground mining.
Taking a step closer to achieving carbon neutrality, Hindustan Zinc signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Normet Group Oy for ‘Sustainable Operations for healthier mining & greener tomorrow” by introducing the Normet SmartDrive Vehicles (NSDVs) in underground mining. This will help HZL reduce carbon emissions, enabling the mine operations to become more environment friendly.
Normet SmartDrive is a modular battery electric vehicle (BEV) architecture designed to optimize energy consumption and performance in underground mining and tunneling applications. The SmartDrive equipment enable higher productivity, lower operating costs and most importantly – zero local emissions. SmartDrive architecture includes the latest Li-Ion battery technology with a fast charging capability. Easiness of use and carefully engineered controls guarantee that the machine is safe and pleasant to operate. Built-in energy recuperation technology maximizes the storing of regenerative braking energy during downhill driving and deacceleration. In addition, efficient hydraulic dual-circuit oil immersed brakes provide additional braking power when it is needed.
Industrial activities around the globe are fast moving towards building sustainable partnerships that bring efficiency and expertise to the business. It’s imperative for any partnership to share the same values to be successful, and both Hindustan Zinc, as well as Normet group, share the values of safety, sustainability, innovation, and technology in running operations.
“Sustainable development is an integral part of our business philosophy. At Hindustan Zinc, we have always prioritised and emphasised on adopting environment-friendly solutions. Our partnership with Normet reinforces our commitment to sustainable operations for healthier mining & greener tomorrow by helping us achieve our goal for carbon neutrality. We believe this proves to be a game-changer in the mining industry by taking one of the big leaps towards Green Mining.”
Mr. Arun Misra, CEO, Hindustan Zinc
“At Normet, our mission is to bring transformation in sustainable underground mining. It is our constant effort to increase the safety levels underground and improve productivity while designing solutions for sustainable operations. Our partnership with Hindustan Zinc for the Normet SmartDrive Vehicles is a step on our collective journey for safe, sustainable and green mining.”
Mr Subhasis Mohanty, Vice President, India Sales Area and MD Normet India
This partnership is a testament to the focus of HZL on driving the green economy. It will not only save HZL a huge amount on the High Speed Diesel (HSD) and its maintenance but it will also help in controlling air and noise pollution that causes by the EVs and improve productivity as it will help in simultaneous operations.
Three machines, 1# Spraymec, 1# Agitator, 1# Charmec will be introduced in the 1st phase of this MOU.
