Vedanta Ltd

<dhhead>DIRECTORS’ REPORT</dhhead>

Dear Members,

Your Directors take pleasure in presenting the Integrated Report (prepared as per the framework set forth by the International Integrated Reporting Council) and the Annual Standalone as well as Consolidated Financial Statements for the financial year ended 31 March 2025 of Vedanta Limited ("Vedanta" or "Company). "

Vedanta Limited, a subsidiary of Vedanta Resources Limited

("VRL"), is one of the world’s leading natural resources, critical minerals, energy and technology companies spanning across India, South Africa, Namibia, Liberia, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Korea, Taiwan and Japan.

Over the years, your Company has positioned itself as a leading natural resources and technology conglomerate, focussing on large scale expansion of its portfolio in India with operational excellence benchmarked to global standards. For two decades, the Company has been contributing significantly to nation building. We have facilitated the growth of the Indian economy by contributing to the national exchequer and creating thousands of jobs.

Vedanta is a uniquely diversified Company across the natural spectrum and produces commodities vital for global decarbonisation and materials intensive energy transition.

The Company has significant operations in Oil & Gas, Zinc,

Lead, Silver, Copper, Iron Ore, Steel, Nickel, Aluminium, Power & Glass Substrate and foraying into electronics and display glass manufacturing. It strives to create long-term value for all our stakeholders through exploration, discovery, sustainable development and utilisation of diversified natural resources. The Company’s steadfast focus remains on delivery and operational excellence while increasing technology adoption and digitalisation to enhance profitability and deliver metals of the future.

Vedanta’s strategic priorities, while moving towards responsible growth, are good governance, and social licence to operate. The Company demonstrates world-class standards of governance, safety, sustainability, and social responsibility. It's our fundamental values of "Trust, Entrepreneurship, Innovation, Excellence, Integrity, Care and Respect" that guide and help us accomplish our purpose. These serve as the foundation for everything we do and accomplish.

Furthermore, India is Vedanta’s largest market, which is one of the most stable and fastest growing economies in the world. India’s continued strength augurs well for its business performance.

Your Company continue to foster structurally low-cost and diverse assets with excellent potential, which fuel our growth ambitions. Our investments in smarter processes, industry-leading efficiencies, empowerment of our people, and strong corporate governance help us address the nation’s growing needs.

Our strategic decisions are supported by robust cashflows, disciplined capital allocation and emphasis on sustainability in everything we do. We cater to diverse consumer markets for their primary materials needs and are leaders in the segments we operate in. With a responsible business model and through activities that generate economic, human, and social value, we are ideally positioned to partner in India’s journey towards greater self-reliance.

The standalone and consolidated financial statements of the Company for the financial year ended 31 March 2025, prepared as per Indian Accounting Standards ("Ind AS") and in accordance with the provisions of the Companies Act, 2013 (the "Act") and Securities and Exchange Board of India ("SEBI") (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015

(" Listing Regulations") forms part of this Annual Report.

• Reinforced its position as the World's Largest Integrated Zinc Producer with highest-ever full year mined and refined metal production at 1,095 KT and 1,052 KT, respectively;

• Full year silver production of 687 tonnes, down due to change in mining sequence and lower silver input from Sindesar Khurd mine in line with mine grade;

• 4-year lowest full year CoP^*of US$ 1,052/T (better 6% Y-o-Y);

• Delivered second highest revenue, EBITDA and Profit After

Tax ("PAT") for the full year;

• Surpassed 13.1 MT of metal reserves (net of production of 1.2 MT) for the first time# with gross addition of 9.0 MT metal in last 5 years. Total metal resources and reserves stand at 29.6 MT with 25+ years of mine life.

• New Blocks: Secured 7 blocks in OALP-IX round focussing on West Coast of India;

• First oil discovery in North-East region, Rudra-1 (EUR of ~6 mmboe).

• Infill wells: Drilled 28 infill wells across Mangala, Aishwarya, Saraswati and RDG fields in Q4;

• ASP Cluster C: Surface Facility work ongoing. Injection targeted by Q2 FY 2025-26;

• Unconventional: International Rig locked for exploration drilling in Q2 FY 2025-26.

The details of the business, results of operations and the significant developments have been further elucidated in ESG section of the Annual Report.

Projects are the key driving factors of our Group as our aspirations for growth are very different from any of the peers, globally.

• We have undertaken several projects to enhance metal volume:

160 KTPA Roaster project at Debari has achieved a progress of 99.7% with commissioning activities under progress and expected to commission in Q1 FY 2025-26.

Debottlenecking of Cell-house and Leaching &

Purification with project progress of 61.94% for Dariba and 63.15% for Chanderiya. The project completion is targeted in Q2 FY 2025-26 for Dariba and Q3 FY 2025-26 for Chanderiya.

Lead-Silver Recovery project at Dariba Zinc Plant involves the use of weak acid leaching process technology to improve Silver recovery.

• For Bamnia Kalan Mine project, site work started in June 2024 and peripheral boundary wall work was completed. Excavation works for portal is under progress.

• Fertiliser Plant in Chanderiya has achieved a progress of 57.2% and commissioning is targeted in Q4 FY 2025-26.

• For further phase wise expansion of Mines and Smelters, the Company has appointed strategic partners for conceptual and detailed design of 2x growth plan, i.e., doubling existing mining, smelting capacity and tailings recycling plant. Based on the conceptual studies of tailings recycling plant, the Company has further appointed partners to carry out detailed designing and, engineering assessments.

Aluminium:

We are currently India’s largest primary Aluminium producers and aim to be among top 3 producers globally (Ex China) with expansion to 3 MTPA capacity along with 100% backwards vertical integration. Environmental Clearance ("EC") has been recommended by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change for the Sijimalli bauxite block with an estimated reserve of 310 million tonnes of bauxite. We expect to commence the mining activities by FY 2025-26. Lanjigarh refinery expansion from

2 MTPA to 5 MTPA remains our key focus area with full ramp up to be completed in FY 2025-26, having produced our first from Train 1 of 1.5 MTPA at the end of alumina

FY 2023-24. Upon reaching the full 5 MTPA capacity, we plan to further optimise the facility through debottlenecking initiatives to achieve a production capacity of 6 MTPA. This enhanced refining capacity will enable us delink the Aluminium Production Cost from the market volatility thereby strengthening our operational resilience and cost stability.

Expansion activities are in full swing at Bharat Aluminium Co Ltd. ("BALCO") and the 0.435 MTPA project is estimated to start initial production during H1 FY 2025-26. We are also committed to our objective of producing 100% Value Added Products ("VAP"). Primary foundry alloy 180 KTPA lines in Jharsuguda and 130 KTPA Rolled Product line in BALCO have commissioned and the Billet projects are in pipeline which will enable us to reach 100% VAP facilities at BALCO and Jharsuguda. This would enable us to cater to the rapidly growing domestic demand from sunrise sectors such as EVs, Renewable Power, Defence and Aerospace.

For Coal, the Jamkhani coal mine which commenced production in FY 2023-24 is now producing at its approved capacity. We also expect to commence production at Kuraloi-A North and Ghogharpalli mines in FY 2025-26 with Barra in pipeline. These mines would comfortably enable us to achieve 100% coal security.

In line with our vision of increasing MIC from 300 KTPA to 500 KTPA, we are constructing the 200 KTPA expansion Phase – II unit at Gamsberg, Northern Cape, South Africa. The current expansion activities at Gamsberg will further enhance the mining capability and processing capacity to double the current volumes.

Currently, it is under advance mechanical erection stage with overall completion status of 63%.

The project is expected to be commissioned by FY 2025-26. During construction, the expansion project will create 2000 – 2500 jobs and a further 800 to 1000 permanent jobs during peak operations. In line with our vision on Value from Waste creation, the iron ore project was realised for Black Mountain Mining Proprietary Ltd. ("BMM"). The 700 KTPA Iron Ore Plant is under construction and is expected to be completed in H1 FY 2025-26. This project will create a new product line (magnetite) over & above the base metals produced by BMM. The project will also generate employment for ~400 people during construction and ~250 jobs during operations.

This is also a major ESG initiative for VZI as BMM plant tailings consists of an iron feed grade of ~39% which will now be processed and converted into world class Magnetite with target grade of more than 68% Fe instead of being discarded to the tailings dam. It will thus reduce BMM's overall future environmental footprint.

In alignment with our long-term strategic objectives, the capacity expansion to 3.5 MTPA hot metal encompasses the commissioning of additional 1264 m³ Blast Furnace, supported by 0.5 MTPA Coke Ovens, 800 TPD Oxygen Plant and other requisite auxiliary facilities. 10 MTPA Raw Material Handling System coupled with railway infrastructure from public siding to plant under the current expansion shall ensure seamless material movement, enhancing overall logistics efficiency and reliability. The expansion also includes the establishment of 0.18 MTPA Ductile Iron Pipe Plant, which will further strengthen our VAP portfolio. A 1.7 MTPA downstream expansion comprising 1 MTPA MIDA complex and third BOF with 0.7 MTPA Wire Rod Mill is currently under conceptualisation. This will enable the conversion of Molten Metal into 100% VAP, thereby enhancing profitability and product this integrated expansion is expected to position ESL firmly within lowest cost quartile, while significantly expanding its footprint in the long product segment – delivering both operational leverage and long-term shareholder value.

In alignment with our vision of becoming India’s largest Ferrochrome producer by 2027, we have embarked on three pivotal projects. Firstly, our 300 KTPA Ferrochrome plant project, which will enhance our total plant capacity to 500 KTPA, making us India’s largest producer of Ferrochrome by 2027. The second is our 1.5 MTPA underground mines project and the third is our 600 KTPA concentrator project.

We have achieved a significant milestone by successfully obtaining statutory compliances for all three projects. For 300 KTPA Ferrochrome plant, 70% of the engineering work has been completed and technology partner, Metso Outotec has completed overall equipment manufacturing process. For the 1.5 MTPA underground project, a total 530 meters development has been executed, with the first ton of ore expected in FY 2025-26. The engineering work for 600 KTPA concentrator plant has commenced with Sino Steel, 75% major critical equipment manufacturing has been completed.

WCL:We are working on a long-term vision to become a global leader in premium-quality iron ore production. The mid-term vision consists of achieving 10 MTPA premium-quality iron ore with high Fe content and low impurities.

The first phase of the growth plan will produce 3 MTPA products at the Bomi Mine, comprising a concentrator plant, a power plant, a dedicated road and jetty infrastructure, and a township. The combined contract for the concentrator plant and power plant has been awarded. The feasibility study and Front End Engineering and Design ("FEED") for the road and jetty have been completed. The township scoping is done. The advocacy activities of obtaining licences and permits, and acquiring ROW and land are in progress. The project execution will begin upon concluding these advocacy matters. The project will be completed in around 18 months after execution starts.

The second phase is planned to increase production capacity to 10 MTPA by adding two concentrator plants, a slurry pipeline from Bomi Hill mine to Monrovia Port, upgrading capacity at the Monrovia Port to handle the cargo of 10 MTPA, and sourcing power of around 100 MW for the entire operation. A reputed German consultant is completing the Feasibility Study and FEED for the Monrovia Port upgrade, and a specialised engineering firm from the US is doing similar work for the slurry pipeline.

VAB: The Ductile Iron Pipe Project contract, awarded in December 2023, will enhance the margin and realisation at VAB through product diversification. The successful commissioning of the 5 KTPA Fe-Si Plant will lower the production costs for o maximise recovery andVAP. To enhance current exploration Pig iron production capacity to 1.2 MTPA, a new high-capacity completion, energy efficient blower with 120,000 Nm3/h is installed. This upgrade is expected to enhance production by an additional 180-200 t/day. Pre-operational trials was successfully completed in Q3 FY 2024-25.

Nicomet: In FY 2024-25, we were able to achieve 50% of the installed production capacity with total production and sales close to 3 KT for the year. With the debottlenecking plans, we are targeting to achieve 10 KTPA production capacity in the next six months. Additionally, having key focus on Nickel related VAP and alternative blendable RM processing capabilities. Currently holding a 50% domestic market share for Nickel Sulphate, we aim to bolster its presence by venturing into the Indian EV manufacturing sector.

Furthermore, we have solidified our position by signing a

Long-Term Contract ("LTC") for Nickel Sulphate supply with key international EV players.

In Cairn, we remain committed to our vision of producing 50% of India’s Oil & Gas production. In-line with our vision, we are hooking up ~120 wells online in FY 2025-26 across various assets. We have made hydrocarbon discovery in North East Exploratory campaign in February 2025.

Significant progress has also been made in maturing and advancing key growth projects: Tight Oil, Shale, Deepwater, Ambe and Satellite Fields. As part of expanding our portfolio we have acquired 4 onshore and 3 shallow water blocks at the Open Acreage Licensing Policy ("OALP") Round IX auction.

We continue to undertake further Infill Drilling campaigns acrossfields campaigns to discover resources for further growth.

In wake of the ever-growing need for critical minerals in the economy and the enhanced significance of harnessing the country’s potential of production of these critical minerals, Vedanta Group (the "Group") actively participated in the Critical Mineral Auctions conducted by Ministry of Mines, Government of India in FY 2024-25.

Wide gamut of mineral blocks was being announced in various parts of the country, mostly Composite Licenses for in depth exploration. The Group won 1 out of every 4 four blocks that were successfully auctioned out in all tranches of the Critical Mineral Auctions in FY 2024-25.

The Board of Directors, in its meeting held on 29 September 2023, had approved a Scheme of Arrangement (the "Original Scheme") for demerger of various businesses of the Company, namely, demerger of the Company’s Aluminium (represented by the Aluminium segment), Merchant Power (represented by the Power segment), Oil & Gas (represented by the Oil & Gas segment), Base Metals (represented by the Copper and Zinc International segment) and Iron Ore (represented by Iron Ore segment and Steel business) Undertakings, resulting in 6 separate companies (including Vedanta Limited, being the Demerged Company), with a mirrored shareholding and consequent listings at BSE Limited and National Stock Exchange of India Limited (the "Stock Exchanges"). The Stock Exchanges gave their no-objection to the Scheme.

A first motion application, in respect of the Original Scheme was filed by Demerged Company (i.e., Vedanta Limited) and four resulting companies (i.e., Vedanta Aluminium Metal Limited ("VAML"), Malco Energy Limited ("MEL"), Vedanta Base Metals Limited ("VBML") and Vedanta Iron and Steel Limited ("VISL") before the Hon’ble National Company Law Tribunal, Mumbai Bench ("NCLT") on 06 August 2024 ("VEDL First Motion’’). The Hon’ble NCLT by way of its order dated 21 November 2024 ("VEDL NCLT Order") inter alia: a) directed the Company to convene a meeting of its equity shareholders, secured creditors and unsecured creditors within 90 days of the date of receipt of the Order; b) directed MEL to convene a meeting of its secured and unsecured creditors within 90 days of the date of receipt of the Order; c) dispensed with the meeting of equity shareholders of VAML, MEL, VBML and VISL; and d) dispensed with the meeting of secured and unsecured creditors of VAML, VBML and VISL.

In December 2024, Vedanta Limited and other five resulting companies decided not to proceed with implementation of Part V of the Original Scheme i.e., demerger of Base Metal undertaking into VBML, along with making appropriate updates to the Original Scheme ("Updated Scheme"). The non-implementation of the demerger of the Base Metals undertaking shall not affect any other parts of the Original Scheme described above.

In compliance with VEDL NCLT Order, the meetings were held on 18 February 2025 and the Updated Scheme

(with modification to exclude demerger of Base Metals

Undertaking) was approved by the equity shareholders, secured creditors and unsecured creditors of the Company, as well as the secured and unsecured creditors of MEL.

On 05 March 2025, Vedanta Limited along with VAML, MEL and VISL, filed a second motion petition before the Hon’ble

NCLT inter alia seeking sanction of the Updated Scheme.

Further, a separate first motion application was filed by

Talwandi Sabo Power Limited ("TSPL"), one of the resulting companies, with the Hon’ble NCLT, Mumbai on 22 October 2024 ("TSPL First Motion") for demerger of Merchant Power

Undertaking of the Company, since TSPL’s Registered Office

(" RO") was in the process of being changed from Mansa

(Punjab) to Mumbai (Maharashtra) at the time of filing VEDL

First Motion. The Hon’ble NCLT, Mumbai by its order dated 04 March 2025, disposed the TSPL First Motion by rejecting the scheme ("TSPL NCLT Order"). TSPL has filed an appeal against the TSPL NCLT Order before the Hon’ble National Company Law Appellate Tribunal, New Delhi and the matter is being heard.

Pending regulatory and other substantive approvals, no adjustments have been recorded in the financial results for the quarter and year ended 31 March 2025.

The scheme of demerger along with the supporting documents can be accessed at www.vedantalimited.com.

The Board of Directors of the Company, basis the recommendation of the Audit & Risk Management

Committee and Committee of Independent Directors of the Company, at its meeting held on 28 October 2021, approved the Scheme of Arrangement between the Company and its shareholders under Section 230 and other applicable provisions of the Companies Act, 2013 ("Act") ("Scheme"). The Scheme provides for capital reorganisation of the Company, inter alia, providing for transfer of amounts standing to the credit of the General Reserves (as defined in the Scheme) to the Retained Earnings (as defined in the

Scheme) of the Company w.e.f. the Appointed Date.

The National Company Law Tribunal, Mumbai Bench

("NCLT") vide its order dated 26 August 2022 ("NCLT Order"), inter alia, directed the Company to convene meeting of its equity shareholders to seek their approval to the Scheme; and file consent affidavits of all the secured creditors and unsecured creditors of at least value of 90% of unsecured creditors, at the time of filing the Company Scheme Petition.

In this regard, a meeting of the equity shareholders of the Company was held on 11 October 2022, and the proposed Scheme was approved by the equity shareholders with requisite majority. The Company is in the process of complying with the further requirements specified in the

NCLT Order.

Pursuant to the Scheme, the Company will possess greater flexibility to undertake capital related decisions and reflect a much efficient balance sheet of the Company.

The Scheme is in the interest of all stakeholders including public shareholders.

The complete details can be accessed at www.vedantalimited.com.

In view of the Company's vision of pivoting towards technology and diversifying into hi-tech manufacturing, while expanding its presence in high-growth markets, the Board vide its approval dated 10 May 2024 approved the acquisition of additional stake of 46.57% in AvanStrate Inc.

("ASI") (an indirect subsidiary of the Company with 51.63% holding) from HOYA Corporation, Japan through Cairn India Holdings Limited ("CIHL"), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company. CIHL holds 98.2% in ASI.

Considering the expertise and resources, ASI aims to strengthen Vedanta’s capabilities to support the burgeoning hi-tech electronics manufacturing industry in India and capitalise on the growing demand for electronic devices in India and globally.

The necessary details can be accessed on www.vedantalimited.com.

The Company raised ~ 8,500 crore through Qualified

Institutions Placement ("QIP") in July 2024, being the single largest ever equity raise through the QIP route in India’s metals and mining sector.

The Company received applications for equity shares of ~2.6x of the offer size from marquee domestic mutual funds, foreign institutional investors, large family offices and multi strategy funds.

The QIP was launched on 15 July 2024 and was closed on 19 July 2024 and a total number of 19,31,81,818 Equity

Shares were allocated at 440 per equity share through the QIP.

Some of the marquee investors that were allotted equity shares through QIP included Nippon Mutual Fund, SBI Mutual Fund, Morgan Stanley and ICICI Mutual Fund etc.

The detailed announcements and details on utilisation of proceeds from QIP can be accessed on www.vedantalimited.com.

On 19 August 2024, the Company completed the sale of

6,36,05,891 equity shares of face value of 2 each held in

Hindustan Zinc Limited ("HZL"), a subsidiary of the Company (representing 1.51% of the total issued and paid-up equity share capital of the Company), by way of an offer for sale through the stock exchange mechanism held on 16 August 2024 and 19 August 2024 in accordance with the "Comprehensive Framework on Offer for Sale ("OFS") of Shares through the Stock Exchange Mechanism" issued by Securities and Exchange Board of India ("SEBI").

Post the completion of OFS, the shareholding of the Company stands at 63.42% of the total issued and paid-up equity share capital of HZL.

The Board of Directors of the Company vide approval dated 16 May 2024 approved the Investment in Vedanta Copper International VCI Limited ("VCI") for setting up of Continuous Cast Copper Rod Plant – in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

(" KSA").

VCI, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, is in the process of establishing a state-of-the-art copper rod manufacturing facility with a projected capacity of 125 KTPA in KSA, which will enable the Company to explore more growth opportunities in new geographies.

Research & Development ("R&D") is a critical component of Vedanta’s growth strategy. It enables us to stay competitive by developing innovative products & services that meet the changing needs of customers. Vedanta invests a significant amount of resources into R&D to improve the quality of its products and services, reduce costs, and increase efficiency.

R&D helps the Company to differentiate itself from competitors and maintain its market position.

In Aluminium business, our R&D team has been working on broadly four verticals viz. value-added products, waste to wealth, process optimisation and decarbonisation. The innovative projects are carried out in partnership with premier academic and research institutes as well as startups.

We successfully developed three new value-added Aluminium alloy products in collaboration with CSIR-NML,

Jamshedpur and IIT Kharagpur and filed two patents. (1)

Development of a High Temperature Low Sag ("HTLS") alloy conductor wire rod for high performance overhead power transmission, (2) High Temperature Resistance Cast Grade Aluminium Alloy tailored with rare-earth addition for the automotive applications. We are also working on Ultra-high Strength (equivalent to 2024) and weldable 5XXX-Sc Aluminium alloy catering to the requirements of Defense, Aerospace, Marine, High Speed Train and Electric Vehicles applications to replace import substitution. Another project on the production of an Ultra-high-Purity Aluminium variant (targeting 99.99% purity) specifically designed for applications in aerospace, electronics, and areas where cathodic protection is required, is near to completion in collaboration with IIT Kharagpur.

Process Optimisation & Decarbonisation: A patent has been filed on a new design that helps in reducing flow uniformity, lower gas velocities and attrition of particles with the liner. It will allow the precipitation circuit to deliver higher yield, lower energy, and more production. An initiative has been taken up in collaboration with an Indian startup which will help reduce carbon content in stack emission gases and convert them into marketable products through innovative amine free molecular engineering technology. Reducing stubs to carbon voltage drop through stub design modification and new material development for the junction has also been in our goal for reducing energy consumption.

Waste to Wealth utilisation: Vedanta Aluminum R&D has identified and established the fly ash compatibility for making of geopolymer mix, sand substitute, coarse and fine aggregates and a novel product fly ash-based composites through a research work carried out by a startup cum research venture incubated in NIT Suratkal. Further R&D is collaborating with National Rice Research Institute ("NRRI") Cuttack for exploring opportunities of acidic soil remediation with fly ash mix in parts of western Odisha which is game changer in terms of increasing the productivity of Rice cultivation.

Vedanta Aluminium R&D is actively engaged for the project " Technology Development for Holistic Utilisation of Red Mud for Extraction of Metallic Values and Residue Utilisation" anchored by NITI Aayog, Government of India. The project is being pursued with reputed institutions such as Jawaharlal Nehru Aluminium Research Development and Design Centre ("JNARDDC"), Council of Scientific and Industrial Research ("CSIR"), National Metallurgical Laboratory ("NML"), CSIR - Institute of Minerals and Materials Technology ("IMMT"), Bhabha Atomic Research Centre ("BARC") and involving Hindalco and Nalco.

At HZL, R&D focuses on achieving business goals with high focus on enhancing operational efficiencies, developing innovative processes, evaluate and adapt cutting edge technologies, identify and implement cost effective alternatives and drive sustainable practices for wealth out of waste.

The major focus area was developing understanding of complex minerology of ore and mineral liberation, enhance recovery of target metals during beneficiation and smelting through process optimisation. The key emphasis was on improving the silver recovery during mineral processing thus successful plant trials were conducted by introducing new reagent schemes. For cost optimisation various initiatives were taken to reduce reagents consumptions and improve realisation from secondaries.

We have partnered with reputed Indian institutes and world class technology providers for process development and validation of process for treatment of wastes to generate value-added products which was developed in-house.

In FY 2024-25, HZL has received grant of two Indian patents as listed below -

• Method for manufacturing paver block and bricks from industrial waste (IP 530897); and

• System for scrapping of silver from cathode plates (IP 541547).

Also, HZL has signed two Memorandum of Understanding

(" MoU") with Indian Institute of Technology Madras ("IITM"),

Chennai and Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research ("JNCASR"), Bangalore for developing Zn battery technologies which offer a more sustainable, low-cost and efficient alternative to Lithium (Li)-ion battery.

The collaboration with IITM focuses on development of Zinc (Zn)-air rechargeable battery technologies whereas collaboration with JNCASR focuses on advancing Zinc (Zn)-ion battery technologies. The visionary technology has potential to revolutionise the applications like low-power electric vehicles, renewable energy storage, etc.

• Developed an innovative hydrometallurgical treatment, which is economical, simpler to operate, and efficient in recovering lead and silver from Zinc hydrometallurgical residue;

• Successful plant trials were conducted using selective collector/promoter during mineral processing to enhance grade and recovery of Lead (Pb) and Silver (Ag) and control impurities;

• Mineralogical studies and operational assessment of mills were conducted through structured circuit surveys to develop understanding and address operational issues like fluctuations in concentrate grades/recovery and misplacements;

• Laboratory test work were conducted with reputed Australian mineral processing laboratory to generate economically viable zinc concentrate from Rampura Agucha tailing;

• Collaborated with IMMT Bhubaneswar and NML Jamshedpur for two innovative processes to generate value-added products from Jarosite which were in-house developed;

• Process improvements in the Wealz kiln operations and identification of opportunity for realisation from

MCTP slag;

• Process development for metal recovery from lead smelting slags, dusts and dross;

• Metal realisation and effective utilisation from high grade cobalt cake, ancillary residues and Zinc secondary wastes;

• Enhanced the capability of R&D center by introducing facilities like floatation Lock-cycle testing, continuous floatation set-up, electrowinning test cells, online overpotential measurement and high temperature furnaces;

• Technical support for decolorisation of sulphuric acid produced at Zinc-Lead Sinter plant;

• Developed scheme for selective Zinc metal recovery from

Effluent treatment plant.

• Through crucial R&D, the unit has developed a new process to recover precious metals from anode slime and this plant has been successfully commissioned and ramped up. It results in smooth PMR operations at Fujairah unit leading to additional revenue;

• In-house process designing for Selenium and Tellurium recovery in collaboration with Council of Scientific and

Industrial Research, Government of India to ensure 100% realisation of Minor Metals;

• With respect to quality improvement, the unit is doing intensive R&D to increase the Purity of Cobalt sulphate to be in comparison to Battery grade;

• In the path of creating Wealth from Waste or residue, the unit is targeting an additional 250 crore revenue from Minor Metal Business by FY 2025-26 through R&D and Innovation;

• Under the sustainable packaging initiative, a 100% recyclable packaging solution has been introduced for the copper rod. This packaging provides protection even under adverse climate conditions and has led to customer delight;

• Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning based smart fuel optimisation project under the digitalisation initiative in our furnaces has been implemented and is estimated eq./year;