Hindustan Zinc Makes History: Women Join Night Shifts in Mining Surface Operations

Udaipur, April 12, 2025 — In a landmark move redefining inclusivity in heavy industries, Hindustan Zinc Limited has become the first company in India’s metals and mining sector to integrate women into night shifts at surface operations of underground mines. This groundbreaking step took place at Rampura Agucha, the world’s largest underground zinc mine, located in Bhilwara, Rajasthan.

Pioneering Gender Inclusion in Indian Mining

Hindustan Zinc, a Vedanta Group company, has deployed an all-women team in mill and control room operations between 10 PM and 6 AM. This initiative breaks long-standing regulatory and societal barriers, marking a significant shift in India’s traditionally male-dominated mining industry.

Women are already actively contributing in night shifts and back shifts across other company facilities including Pantnagar Metal Plant (Uttarakhand), Chanderiya Smelting Complex (Chittorgarh), and Kayad Mine (Ajmer). Previously, women were permitted to work only during daytime shifts due to legal restrictions.

Achieving Industry-Leading Gender Diversity

This initiative is part of Hindustan Zinc’s broader commitment to inclusion. The company now boasts over 25% gender diversity, among the highest in India’s metals, mining, and heavy engineering industries. Women are also actively working in back shifts across Dariba Smelting Complex, Zawar Mines, and Sindesar Khurd Mine.

Hindustan Zinc has also led other industry-firsts, including:

• Appointment of India’s first female underground mine manager

• Formation of the nation’s first all-women mine rescue team

Chairperson Priya Agarwal Hebbar said, “By integrating women into night shifts at our underground operations, we’re not just breaking barriers—we’re setting new standards for true inclusion. Our mission is to build a workplace where diversity powers innovation and shared growth.”

Empowering Women Through Technology and Support

Hindustan Zinc is revolutionizing mining operations using Industry 4.0, digitalization, robotics, and automation, enabling safer, less physically demanding roles. Technologies like tele-remote underground mining and real-time analytics are creating new, accessible career pathways for all.

The company follows all safety protocols issued by the Directorate General of Mines Safety (DGMS) and provides extensive support systems for female employees, including:

• Spouse hiring policy

• Flexible work hours

• Sabbaticals for childcare

• Monthly wellness leaves for women

• Mental and physical health leave options

These policies ensure that gender is never a barrier to professional growth.

Building the Future of Inclusive Mining

Women employees like Yashika Ramnani, a graduate trainee at Rampura Agucha, expressed pride in being among the first to join night shifts. Associate Manager Subhasmita Parida emphasized the opportunity to gain valuable skills, boosting both confidence and independence.

With over 33% of FY24 campus recruits being women, Hindustan Zinc has become the top employer of choice for women in India’s metals industry. As the world’s largest integrated zinc producer and the third-largest silver producer, the company continues to play a vital role in powering global energy transition through responsible and inclusive practices.