Hindustan Zinc's Sindesar Khurd Mine in Rajasthan vaults to the prestigious position of the world's second-largest silver-producing mine, a remarkable leap from its former fourth-place status, the company announced today.

The Indian government is the largest minority shareholder in Hindustan Zinc, owning a 29.54% stake, but was not consulted by the company when it decided to split the firm to create separate entities for its zinc, lead, silver and recycling business, the government source said requesting anonymity.