Company Achieves 26% Gender Diversity Across All Mines and Smelters
Udaipur, October 1 (Udaipur Kiran News): In a historic move towards gender diversity and inclusion, Hindustan Zinc Limited (HZL) — India’s only and the world’s largest integrated zinc producer — has introduced night shifts for women employees at its Debari Zinc Smelter in Udaipur, the company’s oldest operational unit.
With this step, all Hindustan Zinc’s smelters and four mining operations — including Rampura Agucha Mine, Kayad Mine, Zawar Mines, Sindesar Khurd Mine, Chanderiya Smelting Complex, and Pantnagar Metal Plant — are now being operated full-time with women engineers across shifts, including backshift (2 PM to 10 PM) and night shift (10 PM to 6 AM).
This progressive initiative has enabled Hindustan Zinc to achieve over 26% gender diversity, one of the highest ratios in India’s metal, mining, and heavy engineering sectors. The company has also implemented strong safety, health, and welfare measures to ensure a secure and supportive work environment for all women employees.
A Landmark in Inclusion
Speaking on the milestone, Priya Agarwal Hebbar, Chairperson, Hindustan Zinc Limited, said:
“This is a proud moment for Hindustan Zinc and a significant step for India’s metal and mining sector. By introducing women in night shifts at our Debari Smelter, we are not only breaking barriers but also setting new benchmarks for inclusion. True progress comes when every individual is empowered to participate fully, lead fearlessly, and grow equally — and we are committed to building a workplace where diversity fuels innovation and growth.”
With cutting-edge technology, robust safety systems, and progressive policies, Hindustan Zinc continues to transform traditionally male-dominated workplaces into inclusive, future-ready environments.
The company has already made several pioneering strides — from appointing India’s first women underground mine managers to forming the country’s first all-women underground mine rescue team — underscoring its strong commitment to gender inclusion.
Voices from the Ground
Rubina Agwani, Graduate Trainee at Debari Smelter Operations, shared her experience:
“Being among the first women to work in the night shift at Debari is an empowering experience. Hindustan Zinc’s inclusive culture, safety protocols, and mentorship have given me the confidence to push boundaries and grow professionally. This initiative not only advances my career but will also inspire many more women to explore opportunities in the metal and mining sector.”
Towards a Diverse Future
For Hindustan Zinc, diversity and inclusion are not just ideals but core business imperatives. In collaboration with regulators, the company continues to create barrier-free opportunities and shape a future where diversity drives innovation and inclusion accelerates growth.
As the world moves towards a metal-intensive future, Hindustan Zinc is leading the way in building an equitable and future-ready workforce. Recognizing the crucial role of women in bridging the skills gap within the industry, the company is actively enhancing female representation at all levels, making the mining and metals sector more inclusive, diverse, and aspirational.
Through its flagship program ‘Women of Zinc’, Hindustan Zinc aims to achieve 30% female representation by 2030, reshaping not just its own workforce but also redefining the future of metals with zinc at its core.
My name is Bhupendra Singh Chundawat. I am an experienced content writer with several years of expertise in the field. Currently, I contribute to Daily Kiran, creating engaging and informative content across a variety of categories including technology, health, travel, education, and automobiles. My goal is to deliver accurate, insightful, and captivating information through my words to help readers stay informed and empowered.
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