Udaipur, 14th April 2025: Hindustan Zinc Limited , India’s only and the world’s largest integrated zinc producer, has taken a historic step by integrating women in night shift at Surface (Mill) in underground mining. The women have been deployed at Rampura Agucha, home to the world’s largest underground zinc mining operations in Bhilwara (Rajasthan). This progressive move will see an all-women team working full night shifts from 10 PM to 6 AM in mining operations across the mill control room.
At Hindustan Zinc, women have been successfully deployed in night shift in smelting operations at the company’s, Pantnagar Metal Plant in Uttarakhand and the Chanderiya Smelting Complex in Chittorgarh (Rajasthan). Also, the company’s Kayad mine in Ajmer (Rajasthan) has successfully deployed women in night shifts at the Control Room for mining operations. Earlier, per regulatory norms women were permitted to work only in the day shift. This development allows women to access the same career opportunities as their male counterparts.
This historic move is yet another milestone in Hindustan Zinc’s journey to transform the traditionally male-dominated sectors of metals, mining, and heavy engineering. The company has previously led industry-first initiatives by appointing India’s first female underground mine managers and establishing the nation’s first all-women underground mine rescue team. Women are also actively contributing across back shifts (10 PM to 6 AM) at key locations, including the Dariba Smelting Complex, Zawar Mines, and Sindesar Khurd Mine, where operational shifts extend till 10 PM. Reflecting its sustained efforts, Hindustan Zinc has achieved a gender diversity ratio of over 25% – one of the highest in India’s metals, mining, and heavy engineering sectors.
“This is a proud moment for Hindustan Zinc, and for India’s mining sector. By integrating women in night shifts at our underground mines, we’re not just breaking barriers, but we’re setting new benchmarks for inclusion on ground.” said Priya Agarwal Hebbar, Chairperson – Hindustan Zinc Limited. “It reflects our belief that true progress lies in empowering every individual to participate fully, lead fearlessly, and thrive equally. We remain truly committed to building a workplace where diversity drives innovation and growth”, she further added.
Leveraging cutting-edge technologies such as Industry 4.0, digitalization, robotics, and automation, Hindustan Zinc is revolutionizing operations, eliminating manual intervention, and dismantling outdated perceptions of the sector being physically demanding. The company’s digital mines, featuring tele-remote underground mining (where underground mining equipment is operated remotely from the surface) and real-time analytics, provide exciting and inclusive career pathways for all. This has resulted in more than 33% women joining Hindustan Zinc through campus recruitment drives in FY25, making Hindustan Zinc the top choice for women in metals.
Hindustan Zinc has ensured adherence with the Directorate General of Mines Safety (DGMS) guidelines, enabling women to work within mine premises, including underground operations. Women working in Hindustan Zinc are supported with robust protocols and employee-focused policies, ensuring that women are empowered at every stage of their careers. Progressive workplace policies, such as spouse hiring policy, physical & mental health leaves, year-long sabbaticals for childcare, flexible-working hours, monthly no-questions-asked leaves for women further enhance opportunities, ensuring that gender is never a barrier to career advancement. What is truly unique is the company’s ability to provide rich job content to its employees across high-growth businesses. Employees enjoy the best of both worlds – the stability of a global conglomerate with the agility of a start-up.
Sharing her thoughts on this milestone, Yashika Ramnani, Graduate Trainee – Mill Operations at Rampura Agucha, said, “I’m proud to be one of the first women to be deployed in night shift. Hindustan Zinc’s inclusive culture, strong mentorship, and opportunities have given me the confidence to push boundaries and excel in ways I never imagined.” Adding to this, Subhasmita Parida – Associate Manager – Mill Operations at Rampura Agucha, said, “The wave of opportunities provided at Hindustan Zinc have helped me grow and expand my knowledge base. Being one of the first women to be a part of this team will help me gain valuable skills making me more independent and confident. This initiative will support my professional and personal growth”.
Hindustan Zinc, a Vedanta Group company, is the world’s largest integrated zinc producer and the third-largest silver producer. The company holds a market share of about 75% of the primary zinc market in India. Hindustan Zinc has been recognized as the world’s most sustainable company in the metals and mining category for the second consecutive year by the S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment 2024, reflecting its operational excellence, innovation, and leading ESG practices. Hindustan Zinc is also a certified 2.41 times Water-Positive company. As a world leader in the metals and mining industry, Hindustan Zinc is pivotal in providing critical metals essential for the global energy transition for a sustainable future.