Hindustan Zinc Reaches 25% Women in Workforce, Sets Higher Target

Hindustan Zinc Limited, India's largest zinc producer, announced it has achieved 25% women representation in its workforce, a significant milestone in the traditionally male-dominated metals and mining sector. The company now aims to reach 30% women representation by 2030 as part of its Sustainable Development Goals.

The achievement comes as the company prepares to mark International Women's Day 2025. According to Chairperson Priya Agarwal Hebbar, over 700 women are now contributing to the company's operations and its transition toward a low-carbon economy.

Hindustan Zinc has implemented several initiatives to support gender diversity, including spouse hiring policies, physical and mental health leaves, year-long sabbaticals for childcare, and flexible working hours. The company has also integrated women into evening shifts at mines and plants to ensure equal career growth opportunities.

"For any business to thrive, equal representation is not just important - it's essential," said Hebbar. "A truly successful organization values every voice and ensures that diverse perspectives shape its future."

The company reports that 34% of its campus recruits in fiscal year 2024 were women, indicating growing interest in the sector among female graduates. Hindustan Zinc is home to India's first women underground mine managers and has established the country's first and second all-women underground mine rescue teams.

Technology has played a key role in making the industry more accessible. The company has implemented Industry 4.0 technologies, digitalization, robotics, and automation to reduce physical demands and create more inclusive career pathways. Its digital mines feature tele-remote underground mining where equipment is operated from the surface.

Beyond employment, Hindustan Zinc's social impact initiatives focus on driving economic independence for women in rural communities. Through programs like Zinc Kaushal Kendra, over 500 women have received training in science-based vocational courses such as nursing and electrical work. The company's Sakhi initiative supports women-led micro-enterprises in rural Rajasthan.

Hindustan Zinc, a Vedanta Group company, is the world's second-largest integrated zinc producer and third-largest silver producer, holding approximately 75% of India's primary zinc market. The company has been recognized as the most sustainable in its category by the S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment 2024 and is certified as a 2.41 times water-positive company. It has committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 or sooner.