Pantnagar Metal Plant
Overview
The Pantnagar Metal Plant stands as a testament to Hindustan Zinc’s commitment to excellence in metal production. It made significant strides towards achieving carbon neutrality and reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the fiscal year 2022-23. A pivotal achievement was the transition to 100% green power sourced from Uttarakhand Power Corporation Limited (UPCL) for our operational needs. Notably, our finished goods are now labelled as environmentally friendly, marking a critical milestone on our path to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.
Key Facts
- Location : Pantnagar, Uttarakhand, India
- Technology : Roast Leach Electro-winning Technology, SKS Smelt Reduction Electro-Refining
- Products : High Grade (HG) Zinc and Silver
- Zinc Production Capacity : 465,000 tonnes per annum
- Lead Production Capacity : 12,000 tonnes per annum
- Silver Production Capacity : 800 tonnes per annum
- Certifications : ISO 9001:2008, ISO 14001:2004, OHSAS 18001:2007, SA 8000:2008 & 5S
Background Information
The Pantnagar Metal Plant, established in 2011-12, is strategically located approximately 10 kilometres from Rudrapur city along the highway connecting Rudrapur to Haldwani. For convenient accessibility, the Pantnagar Airport and Rudrapur City Railway Station serve as the nearest airport and railway station, respectively. This state-of-the-art facility boasts a robust production capacity, handling Zinc at 465,000 MTPA, Lead at 12,000 MTPA (including WIP treatment), and Silver at 800 MTPA.
Process Description
Silver Refinery Plant:
The silver production process involves two input units, Dariba and Chandaria, each providing distinct raw materials. In the Pyro process, involving four furnaces, reduction and oxidation processes occur to produce cupel alloy and BBOC anodes. The BBOC anodes then undergo electrolysis in the Hydro process, enriching the silver quality and transforming it into silver powder. Finally, the silver powder is melted and cast in an induction furnace, producing Silver FG in the form of 30 kg bars. The entire process seamlessly integrates multiple units to ensure the efficient and high-quality production of silver.
Zinc Melting & Casting:
In the Zinc process, which is centred on melting and casting, two melting furnaces and two CAF furnaces are employed. Three casting lines, along with one Jumbo casting, contribute to the process. Raw materials, Cathode sheets, are sourced from the Dariba and Chanderiya units. The cathodes are meticulously handled, charged into melting furnaces, and the resultant dust is efficiently managed. Casting lines are preheated to prevent metal splashes, and the molten metal is cast into desired-size ingots. These hot ingots are cooled, stacked, weighed, and dispatched to the storage yard. The Jumbo casting involves preparing a batch of approximately 14MT, adding alloy wires in a CAF furnace, casting in moulds, and subsequent cooling and final weighment.
