Indian HZL has received a license to mine tungsten in Andhra Pradesh

Indian company Hindustan Zinc Limited (HZL) has obtained a license to mine tungsten in the southern state of Andhra Pradesh as part of its strategy to diversify its existing zinc, lead and silver operations, the company said in a statement on Thursday.

Tungsten is used in steel production to increase hardness and wear resistance, especially in high-performance steel tools that must withstand high temperatures and wear resistance.

The license was granted by the Government of Andhra Pradesh after HZL became the winning bidder for a tungsten block in Kanaganapalle district.

The tungsten and related minerals block covers a total area of 308.30 hectares and is currently at the G3 exploration level.