Vedanta Celebrates India’s Largest Underground Women Mining Team Ahead of International Women’s Day

Updated: 15-06-2025, 04.51 PM

Udaipur | In a bold testament to gender inclusion in the mining sector, Vedanta Limited celebrated India’s largest all-women underground mining team ahead of International Women’s Day. As a pioneer in promoting diversity in one of the country’s most male-dominated sectors, Vedanta is reshaping industry norms through progressive policies and groundbreaking initiatives.

Vedanta

A First in India’s Mining History

Vedanta, along with its subsidiary Hindustan Zinc, was the first in India to induct women into underground mining roles in 2019. Today, over 550 women are engaged in core mining operations across Vedanta’s businesses, making the company a front-runner in gender inclusion in India’s metals and mining sector. Currently, 22% of Vedanta’s workforce is female, with ambitions to raise that figure to 30% by FY2030.

Historic Milestones and Industry Firsts

Vedanta’s achievements include forming India’s first all-women underground mine rescue teams, now operating at three sites under Hindustan Zinc—more than any other company in the country. Beyond mining, the company boasts fully women-operated aluminium potlines and locomotive operations, setting new industry standards in operational inclusivity.

This transformation has been fueled by Vedanta’s focus on Industry 4.0, utilizing robotics, automation, drone surveillance, real-time analytics, and tele-remote operations. These innovations have not only increased safety and efficiency but also opened the doors for more women to enter roles once considered unsuitable or unsafe.

Voices from the Field: Trailblazing Women

Yogeshwari Rane, the first Indian woman to pass first-class certification in both underground and opencast mining, now works at Vedanta’s Goa iron ore mine. “I’ve always been fascinated by the mining sector, growing up in Goa. Vedanta gave me the opportunity to turn that interest into a career,” she shared.

Sandhya Raskatla, India’s first underground woman mine manager from the Zawar Group of Mines, echoed a similar sentiment: “I always dreamed of working in the world of metals and mining. Vedanta gave me that exposure. We work in harmony with our male colleagues, learn from each other, and continue growing together.”

Building a Truly Inclusive Workplace

Vedanta’s inclusive policies, such as spousal hiring, one-year childcare leave, and the ‘No Questions Asked’ leave policy for mental and physical well-being, reflect the company’s commitment to work-life balance. Its modern townships, located near operational sites, offer residents world-class amenities—schools, hospitals, daycare centers, recreational facilities including pools, golf courses, cinemas, and places of worship—making it easier for women professionals to pursue careers in challenging industrial environments.

A Legacy of Breaking Barriers

Mining has historically excluded women in India, particularly after the Mines Act of 1923, which banned female workers in underground mines. Though this ban was temporarily lifted during World War II, it wasn’t until 2019, following a petition by seven female mining engineering students, that the restriction was officially removed. Vedanta’s Hindustan Zinc was the first company to act on this policy change, hiring women engineers to work underground.

Leadership Commitment

Priya Agarwal Hebbar, Non-Executive Director at Vedanta Limited and Chairperson of Hindustan Zinc, said:

“We are committed to building an inclusive workplace where everyone has equal opportunities. Women-led growth is now a pillar of India’s sustainable development story. From India’s first underground women miners to its first female rescue teams, Vedanta’s women are breaking every boundary. We want to empower this talented force through progressive policies and create a future where diversity drives innovation and inclusion accelerates progress.”

Vedanta: A Global Mining Powerhouse

Vedanta operates a diverse portfolio across key minerals, energy, and technology. The company is the world’s largest integrated zinc producer, the third-largest silver producer globally, a leading aluminium player, India’s only private oil & gas producer, and one of its largest private power generators. With plans to expand into critical minerals, rare earths, and renewables, Vedanta continues to lead India’s transition toward sustainable industrial growth.

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Ganpat Singh Chouhan: My name is Ganpat Singh Choughan. I am an experienced content writer with 7 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.