CIMIC Group’s subsidiaries, Sedgman and Leighton Asia, have secured contracts from Hindustan Zinc Limited (HZL) to construct India’s first zinc tailings recycling facility at the Rampura Agucha Mines in Rajasthan. Announced on January 23, 2026, the project is expected to generate approximately A$400 million (US$274 million) in revenue for CIMIC Group and reflects the company’s commitment to supporting the global energy transition through sustainable infrastructure and critical mineral development.
The contracts represent a pivotal step for Hindustan Zinc, the world’s largest integrated zinc producer, in adopting advanced technologies for resource recovery. Sedgman will deliver engineering services and manage offshore equipment procurement, drawing on its extensive mineral processing experience. Leighton Asia will lead construction management and onshore procurement, leveraging its established presence and infrastructure expertise across India.
This collaboration signals a strategic shift in mining practices—moving beyond traditional extraction to focus on intelligent resource utilization and circular economy principles. The facility at Rampura Agucha Mines will reprocess legacy tailings, transforming them into future sources of essential minerals for clean energy applications, modern manufacturing, and digital technologies.
CIMIC Group brings substantial experience to the project. Sedgman has completed over 630 studies and projects globally since 2014, with notable focus on zinc operations. Leighton Asia strengthens execution capabilities through deep understanding of the Indian construction landscape and a proven track record in complex infrastructure delivery.
Juan Santamaría, CEO of ACS Group and HOCHTIEF and Executive Chairman of CIMIC Group, emphasized the strategic importance of the project. He noted that Sedgman and Leighton Asia’s combined expertise is well-suited to meet the challenges of tailings reprocessing and critical mineral recovery. Santamaría highlighted that such initiatives are crucial for advancing the global energy transition, as contemporary tailings reprocessing technologies unlock new possibilities for mineral recovery essential for clean energy and digital infrastructure.
Grant Fraser, Managing Director of Sedgman, expressed enthusiasm for the project, stating that the company’s extensive experience in tailings reprocessing will be instrumental in extracting critical minerals from waste materials. He described the approach as embodying a circular economy model vital for supplying minerals needed for the clean energy transition, while promoting more sustainable mineral extraction practices.
Brad Davey, Managing Director of Leighton Asia, viewed the partnership as an opportunity to integrate international expertise with local knowledge. He noted that the project advances mining infrastructure in India while contributing to regional economic growth through employment and procurement opportunities within local communities.
Arun Misra, CEO of Hindustan Zinc Limited, articulated a vision for India’s industrial future characterized by intelligent resource use rather than volume alone. He described the tailings recycling facility as transformative, shifting mining practices from extraction-focused to optimization-focused and from linear consumption to circular value generation. Misra emphasized that establishing India’s first large-scale zinc tailings recycling facility demonstrates how legacy resources can be repurposed into future supply streams, strengthening India’s critical minerals security and setting new benchmarks for responsible mining. He noted that the synergy between Sedgman’s global processing knowledge and Leighton Asia’s execution capabilities combines technological innovation with effective project delivery.
The A$400 million in revenue generated by these contracts underscores the significant economic impact of the project. This financial aspect, coupled with the technological and environmental implications, positions the Rampura Agucha Mines facility as a landmark development in the mining sector. The project is expected to enhance resource utilization efficiency, reduce the environmental footprint associated with mining waste, and contribute to the supply chain of critical minerals essential for a low-carbon future.
The successful execution of this project by Sedgman and Leighton Asia will likely serve as a model for other mining operations seeking to implement sustainable practices and circular economy principles. By reprocessing tailings, Hindustan Zinc aims to maximize value from its existing operations while minimizing the need for new resource extraction. This approach aligns with global efforts to promote responsible mining and resource management, contributing to both economic development and environmental stewardship.
The collaboration between CIMIC Group’s specialized subsidiaries and Hindustan Zinc, a leader in the global zinc market, signifies a forward-looking approach to mineral resource management. The project’s success will depend on seamless integration of Sedgman’s engineering and procurement capabilities with Leighton Asia’s construction and local procurement expertise. The outcome is expected to benefit the companies involved while contributing significantly to India’s critical minerals security and broader industrial development goals.
Sources
- https://im-mining.com/2026/01/23/cimic-group-companies-awarded-contracts-for-hindustan-zinc-tailing-recycling-project-in-india/
