Hindustan Zinc Q3 update: Mined, refined metal output rises; lead production dips

Hindustan Zinc Limited reported a steady improvement in production volumes during the December quarter, with mined and refined metal output rising on the back of higher ore production, debottlenecking initiatives and improved plant availability.

In its production release for the third quarter ended December 31, 2025, the company said mined metal production stood at 276 kilo tonnes (kt), marking a 4% increase year-on-year. Saleable metal production also rose 4% from a year earlier to 270 kt, reflecting higher refined output during the quarter.

Refined zinc production increased 8% year-on-year to 221 kt, supported by the commissioning of debottlenecking projects at the Chanderiya and Dariba smelters, ramp-up of the 160 ktpa roaster at Debari, and better operational availability across plants, the company said.

Refined lead production, however, declined 11% year-on-year to 49 kt. The company attributed the drop to ‘pyro operations on lead-only mode’ in the corresponding period last year and lower availability at pyro plants during the quarter.

Silver output during the quarter stood at 158 metric tonnes, broadly flat year-on-year, while wind power generation increased 5% to 50 million units, aided by favourable wind velocity conditions.

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On a nine-month basis, Hindustan Zinc reported its highest-ever mined metal production at 799 kt, driven by improved grades, higher ore production and better recoveries. Refined zinc production for the nine months rose 2% year-on-year to 624 kt, while refined lead output declined 16% to 142 kt due to lower pyro plant availability and operational factors

The company said the record third-quarter performance marks its highest ever mined and refined metal production for a December quarter since its transition to underground mining.

Ahead of the announcement, shares of Hindustan Zinc closed 2.51% higher at ₹627.30 on the NSE.