THEBUSINESSBYTES
BUREAU
JAIPUR, MARCH
19, 2026
Rajasthan Diwas marked a significant
moment for industrial growth as Vedanta Group reaffirmed its long-term
commitment to the state with a massive ₹1
lakh crore investment, accelerating Rajasthan’s emergence as a powerhouse in metals,
oil & gas, and energy. This fresh infusion builds on more than ₹1.5 lakh crore already invested through its flagship
companies Hindustan Zinc Limited and Cairn Oil & Gas, which have together
contributed nearly ₹3 lakh crore to national and state exchequers
over the past decade.
The Group’s presence has been
instrumental in shaping Rajasthan into a globally competitive industrial hub.
Hindustan Zinc alone contributes nearly one-third of the state’s total mining
royalty, while Cairn’s operations in the Barmer-Sanchore Basin have transformed
the region into one of India’s most strategic onshore energy assets, with
Barmer district witnessing a remarkable GDP surge of over 650%. These
developments underscore Rajasthan’s growing importance in India’s resource and
energy security landscape.
From scaling refined metal production
to over one million tonnes annually since 2002 to boosting silver output nearly
twentyfold, Hindustan Zinc has positioned India as a net silver producer while
exporting to over 40 countries. Meanwhile, Cairn’s flagship basin continues to
deliver robust output, reaching 84,276 barrels of oil equivalent per day in
FY2025 and a cumulative production of 781 MMBOE, strengthening domestic energy
capabilities.
Vedanta’s industrial footprint spans
districts such as Udaipur, Chittorgarh, Bhilwara, Rajsamand, Ajmer, and Barmer,
supporting over one lakh jobs and thousands more livelihoods through a vast
ecosystem of suppliers and downstream industries. The state hosts globally
significant assets including the Rampura Agucha mine, the Chanderiya Smelting
Complex, and the Mangala oil field, reinforcing Rajasthan’s status as a
critical node in global supply chains. Notably, Hindustan Zinc also became the
first Indian company to join the International Council on Mining & Metals in
2025.
Speaking on the occasion, Anil
Agarwal, Chairman, Vedanta Group, said: “Rajasthan is India’s sweet spot when
it comes to natural resources. What lies below its ground…metals, minerals, oil
and gas has the potential to power not just the state, but the entire nation.
Through Hindustan Zinc and Cairn, we have already invested over ₹1.5 lakh crore in Rajasthan, building world-class
capabilities in zinc, silver, and oil & gas, while contributing
significantly to employment and economic growth. But I believe this is just
the beginning. With the right vision and speed, Rajasthan can become a global
hub for natural resources and manufacturing. Our next phase of investments will
focus on doubling production, creating large industrial Sensitivity: Public
(C4) ecosystems, and enabling hundreds of downstream industries to grow here.
If we unlock this potential fully, Rajasthan will not only drive India’s
resource security but also create lakhs of jobs and become a defining force in
India’s journey towards self-reliance.”
Looking ahead, Vedanta is spearheading
the development of a first-of-its-kind Zinc Park, envisioned to host around 200
industries and create a thriving ecosystem for MSMEs and value-added
manufacturing. Simultaneously, Cairn continues to deploy advanced technologies
such as enhanced oil recovery to sustain long-term production and unlock
additional reserves.
Beyond industrial growth, Vedanta’s social impact initiatives are transforming communities across Rajasthan. Through the Anil Agarwal Foundation, over 25,000 Nand Ghars have been established to support women and child nutrition and education. Hindustan Zinc has invested around ₹2,000 crore in community development over the last decade, while educational institutions like Vedanta Girls PG College, Ringas, Gurukul Public School, and Vedanta School have empowered tens of thousands of students. The company is also driving gender inclusion, with women now working in underground mining and leading key operational roles, while Cairn’s outreach programmes have impacted nearly 20 crore people nationwide.
With strong policy support, faster clearances, and a robust ease-of-doing-business framework, Rajasthan is rapidly positioning itself as a global hub for natural resources, energy, and manufacturing. As the state celebrates its foundation day, Vedanta’s renewed investment commitment signals a powerful partnership aimed at driving sustainable industrial expansion, strengthening local ecosystems, and enabling inclusive growth for the future.