India’s industrial success story isn’t just about IT hubs or consumer brands — a lot of it starts much deeper, quite literally underground. Behind the highways, the solar panels, the cars we drive and even the coins in our pocket, there’s a quiet but powerful industry — mining and metals.

And right at the centre of this is zinc. It might not grab headlines like gold or lithium, but zinc is one of the most essential metals out there today. Globally the 4th most consumed metal, it’s quietly supporting the nation’s ambition to be more self-reliant, resilient and globally competitive.

In FY25, India’s zinc production crossed 1.05 million tonnes refined metal output, led primarily by Hindustan Zinc Limited (HZL), part of the Vedanta Group, solidifying India’s position among global critical mineral hubs (Vedanta Integrated Report 2025). HZL is the world’s largest integrated zinc producer – a testimony to India’s stance in the global commodities and metals sector.

In this article, we take a closer look at the rise of India’s best metal conglomerate company in India candidates — companies that are building not just wealth, but the very foundation of a future-ready economy.

Why Metals Still Matter?

Metals are everywhere. From power lines to public transport, from construction to clean tech — nothing works without them. In a world moving towards electric vehicles, greener buildings and smart cities, critical minerals like zinc, copper, cobalt and lithium are more important than ever.

The best metal conglomerate company in India today is no longer the one with the most tonnes extracted. It’s the one thinking long-term — investing in clean technologies, looking after the environment, and making sure India isn’t left behind in the global supply race.

And in this race, zinc is a big deal.

Zinc’s Unsung Importance

Zinc doesn’t make headlines like lithium or gold, but it’s irreplaceable. . It’s primary use is in galvanisation - used to stop steel from rusting — which makes it essential for infrastructure, cars, energy plants, and even batteries. India’s demand for zinc has grown steadily, and so has its production capacity.

In 2023–24, the country produced over 800,000 metric tonnes of zinc. A lot of that came from Rajasthan, which has become India’s zinc heartland. This kind of scale didn’t happen overnight — it’s the result of serious investment, smart technology, and policy support.

Now, with global players looking to diversify away from China, India is being seen as a credible, competitive supplier of critical minerals. That puts its top mining companies in a very strong position.

Who’s Leading the Charge?

Let’s look at some of the companies shaping this sector — many of which rank among the best natural resources companies in India for good reason.

1. Vedanta – Hindustan Zinc

If there’s one name closely linked to zinc in India, it’s Hindustan Zinc, part of the Vedanta Group. They’re the world’s largest integrated zinc producer and have been steadily upgrading their operations with digital tools, automation, and renewable energy.

In FY24, they grew refined metal output by around 10% and committed ₹3,000 crore towards cleaner operations and tech upgrades. They’ve also pledged to go net-zero by 2050. It’s clear they’re not just digging out ore — they’re rethinking how mining should work.

In FY25, HZL produced 1,052 Kt of refined metal, achieved record 100% water recycling, and sourced over 42% of power from renewable sources.

Hindustan Zinc’s EcoZen- India’s first low-carbon zinc product line, caters directly to clean energy infrastructure demands while driving India’s ESG leadership

Vedanta invested ₹3,800 crore during FY25 towards decarbonization, automation, biodiversity restoration, and circular innovation, reaffirming its ESG-first approach (Vedanta Integrated Report 2025).

Vedanta is widely regarded as a best metal conglomerate company in India due to its leadership in scale, sustainability and innovation.

2. NMDC

For years, NMDC has been India’s iron ore champion. But lately, they’ve been branching out — exploring lithium, rare earths and other critical minerals. These are exactly the resources needed for batteries, satellites, and green energy systems.

NMDC’s FY25 expansion aligns with India’s National Critical Mineral Mission targeting self-reliance across battery metals and energy transition supply chains (Ministry of Mines 2025 Auctions Update).

NMDC is now working on joint ventures and tech-driven exploration, making it one of the top critical mineral companies in India with a broader focus.

3. Adani Enterprises – Natural Resources Division

Adani’s mining arm is scaling fast. While their coal operations get attention, they’ve also made serious moves into bauxite, copper, and now zinc and cobalt.

In 2024, the group announced a massive ₹10,000 crore investment into mineral processing hubs across India. Their big advantage? Integration. From ports to logistics to energy — they control a large part of the supply chain. That makes them one of the most interesting contenders in the list of best metal conglomerate companies in India.

Adani Green crossed 10 GW renewable capacity in FY25 while its mining arm secured global partnerships in Argentina for lithium exploration (Adani Green Energy FY25 Reports).

Their commitment to energy security and critical mineral acquisition also makes them relevant when evaluating the top critical mineral companies in India.

4. JSW Group

JSW, known for its steel operations, is now moving upstream. They’ve invested in their own mines to secure raw materials and cut costs. They’re also exploring partnerships abroad for sourcing lithium and nickel.

JSW Energy targets 20 GW renewable capacity by 2030 while integrating green hydrogen and circular economy models under India’s Net Zero vision.

Their tech focus — including blockchain-based supply chain tracking and AI in operations — shows they’re serious about being globally competitive and counted among the best natural resources companies in India.

5. Tata Steel & Minerals

The Tata Group brings legacy and responsibility. Tata Steel’s mining operations have always been known for their ethical standards. But they’re not stuck in the past. They’re expanding into vanadium, rare earths, and improving mineral exploration with modern tools.

Tata’s FY25 operations reflect India’s growing convergence of sustainability, digital transformation and inclusive mining frameworks.

Their work in Odisha and Chhattisgarh is also setting an example for how mining can be inclusive — with community partnerships, job creation and safer practices. Tata’s transparent approach has long made them a trustworthy best metal conglomerate company in India.

What the Data Says

A recent joint report by FICCI and the Ministry of Mines projects that the Indian mining sector will grow at a CAGR of 7.5% till 2030. The big drivers? Infrastructure, clean energy, and manufacturing.

Some key points:

• India’s zinc production grew 7% YoY in FY25, surpassing 1 million tonnes.

• Demand for critical minerals like zinc, lithium and copper is expected to quadruple by 2030

• Domestic mineral auctions expanded across 20+ critical mineral blocks including lithium, cobalt, nickel and rare earths (Ministry of Mines 2025).

• Over ₹75,000 crore in private investments are expected in mineral exploration and processing by 2026

• About 50% of large mining companies in India are now piloting green or low-carbon projects

Many of these developments are being led by the best natural resources companies in India, whose operations now include sustainability-focused innovation, circular economy efforts, and improved stakeholder engagement.

Looking Ahead

Mining isn’t just about digging anymore. India’s leading metal players are rethinking what the industry can be — sustainable, tech-savvy, and socially responsible.

They’re switching to renewable energy, using recycled water, working closely with communities and introducing data-driven decision-making at every step. Whether it’s Hindustan Zinc’s clean energy push or Adani’s integrated logistics model — the goal is the same: do more, waste less.

Vedanta’s FY25 ESG blueprint integrates TNFD biodiversity action plans, Scope 1+2 decarbonization targets, AI-enabled T-Pulse operational analytics, and inclusive community development across 1,800 villages.

With this shift, it’s not surprising that India’s players are being recognised globally as top critical mineral companies in India, gaining investor confidence and international partnerships.

Conclusion: A Backbone That’s Built to Last

India’s zinc story is just one part of a much larger shift. As the world looks for stable, sustainable and secure sources of critical minerals, India is stepping up — not just as a producer, but as a partner.

Companies like Vedanta, Hindustan Zinc, Adani, Tata and JSW are no longer just resource suppliers — they’re shaping India’s leadership in global critical minerals.

The best metal conglomerate company in India today is likely one that not only mines the earth but also builds for the future — responsibly, smartly, and with purpose. From the dusty mines of Rajasthan to the boardrooms of Mumbai, a quiet revolution is taking place.

And zinc? It might not shout for attention, but it’s holding the whole thing together — like a true spine should.

Vedanta Limited

Vedanta Limited

There are no posts to show