Udaipur
As India moves towards becoming a US$ 10 trillion economy, the metals and mining sector plays an important role in the economic development of India, making it a crucial sector for India’s growth story, both in global and domestic terms. India produces 95 different types of minerals, including minor, atomic, non-metallic, and metallic ones, and is one of the world’s top producers of valuable minerals like iron ore, chromite, coal, and bauxite.
Mere production may not be enough. The country’s exploration of the metals and mining industries to their full potential is fundamental to the Prime Minister’s goal of ‘Aatmanirbhar’ Bharat. It is well known that as a major contributor to the GDP, the nation’s abundant natural deposits have to be exploited sustainably, not only to promote domestic production but to turn into a global leader.
Zinc, for instance, among metals has played a significant role throughout human history, shaping civilizations and industries alike. Its importance has evolved over time, particularly with the advent of technological innovations. The Industrial Revolution marked a turning point for the evolution of Zinc and its versatility plays a vital role today in various sectors such as agriculture, electronics, infrastructure, health, and nutrition.
Talking of the infrastructure sector, the development of galvanization techniques, which use Zinc to protect iron and steel from corrosion, was a revolution. This promoted the growth of railway networks as well as the construction of modern bridges and buildings. The demand for galvanized steel will be further triggered by the growth in infrastructure development, including highways, high-speed rail projects, and the automobile sector.