Hindustan Zinc has emerged as the preferred bidder for a gold mine block which will help it expand its precious metal portfolio and support emerging needs of the country. It has been declared the preferred bidder for the Dugocha Gold Block, as confirmed by the Department of Mines & Geology, Rajasthan.

The world's second-largest integrated zinc producer has secured a composite licence for the block located in Salumber through the state government auctions held on 13 November, 2024. The block spans 472 hectares and is at the G3 level of exploration, with an estimated 1.74 MT of resources with 1.63g/t gold.

“This will generate unprecedented direct and indirect employment opportunities along with new investments in many industries in the state,” said CEO of Hindustan Zinc, Arun Misra. The deal aligns with the company's long-term strategy of securing high-quality assets with mining potential.

Earlier this month, Hindustan Zinc was also declared the preferred bidder for two tungsten and associated metal blocks in Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu.

Hindustan Zinc, a Vedanta Group company led by Anil Agarwal, is the world's third-largest silver producer, and supplies to more than 40 countries and holds a market share of about 75 percent of the primary zinc market in India.