Pantnagar Metal Plant
Overview
Pantnagar Metal Plant stands as a testament to Hindustan Zinc’s commitment to excellence in metal production and sustainability. We are the world’s third and India’s largest producer of silver. We are also the first unit of Vedanta to source 100% green power supply, operating entirely on renewable energy sourced from Uttarakhand Power Corporation Limited (UPCL) and Serentica Renewables, this transition has helped us to reduce Carbon emissions by 31309 MT Co2e, marking a significant stride towards carbon neutrality and supporting the company’s pledge to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.
Notably, Pantnagar Plant’s finished goods are labelled as environmental friendly, re-emphasizing Hindustan Zinc’s leadership in sustainable mining and metal production. The plant’s achievements are even recognised by London Bullion Market Association (LBMA) by inclusion in the ‘London Good Delivery’ list, further affirming its adherence to international quality standards of 99.99% pure silver.
Key Facts
- Location: Pantnagar, Uttarakhand, India
- Technology: Silver Refinery Process, Zinc Melting and Casting Process and Lead Refinery Process
- Products: SHG and CGG Zinc, Silver Ingot and Silver Powder
- Silver Refining Capacity: 800 tonnes per annum
- Certifications: ISO 9001:2015, ISO 14001:2015, ISO 45001:2018, ISO 50001:2018, LBMA , NABL & 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.
Process Description
Silver Refinery Plant:
The silver production process involves two inputs- Refinery Mud and High-Grade Metal from Dariba and Chanderiya respectively. 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 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 material- Cathode sheets, are sourced from the Dariba and Chanderiya units. The cathodes are meticulously handled, charged into melting furnaces, and the resultant dross and metallics are efficiently managed. Casting lines are preheated to prevent metal splashes, and the molten metal is cast into desired-size ingots as per customers requirement. These hot ingots are cooled, stacked, weighed, and dispatched to the storage yard. Similarly, Jumbo casting involves preparing batches by adding Aluminum wires and Zinc in CAF furnace.
