Hindustan Zinc, a Vedanta Resources company that did not meet its 2013-14 mining target, will rework its plan for the world’s largest lead-zinc deposits, the Rampura Agucha mine in Rajasthan.

The company’s mined metal production for the year ended March 31 was 880,000 tonnes, down from the target of 1 million tonnes announced at the beginning of the financial year.

“Production in the second half of 2013-14 was lower than what we had planned initially due to a slower than expected ramp-up of underground mining projects and changes in the mining sequence,” Hindustan Zinc said in a statement.

The company says Rampura Agucha is the world’s largest zinc mine with annual ore production capacity of 6.15 million tonnes and with best-in-class zinc-lead reserves grade of 15.4%. Reserves and resources of Rampura Agucha mine as of March 31, 2013, were 109.8 million tonnes.

Rampura Agucha’s open pit operations were commissioned in 1991. It is 230km north of Udaipur, in the State of Rajasthan. Rampura Agucha is a stratiform, sediment-hosted, high grade zinc and lead deposit.

The ore body is massive and lens shaped. Ore grade is consistent and is not deteriorating as the company moves down. The mine is equipped with the world-class infrastructural facilities including the latest generation slope monitoring radar system; truck dispatch system; and simulators to enhance the operator’s skill.

Rampura Agucha mine accounts for more than 75% of Hindustan Zinc’s ore needs. The company’s other mines at Sindesar Khurd, Rajpura Dariba, Kayar, and Zawar are also in Rajasthan.
www.hzlindia.com