Hindustan Zinc Limited the world’s largest integrated zinc producer, has reported a 44% year-on-year increase in LGBTQIA+ employees across its operations. To further demonstrate its commitment to inclusivity, the company launched its Pride Month campaign, #CallHZLYourHome, highlighting its ongoing efforts to create a diverse, safe, and empowering work environment.
The company has been a leader in LGBTQIA+ inclusion within the metals and mining sector, introducing progressive workplace policies such as financial support for transgender employees (up to INR 1 lakh), coverage for gender reaffirmation surgeries, and parental benefits for LGBTQIA+ individuals adopting children. Hindustan Zinc also provides a housing policy tailored to employees from the LGBTQIA+ community.
In an industry traditionally dominated by men, Hindustan Zinc employs 23 transgender individuals across various business functions, such as finance, marketing, supply chain, and healthcare. This is made possible through the company’s tech-driven approach, leveraging Industry 4.0 technologies, automation, and robotics to standardize processes and reduce manual interventions, creating an inclusive and modern workplace. The company’s focus on providing career growth opportunities aligns with the global demand for critical minerals and energy transition metals.
Priya Agarwal Hebbar, Non-Executive Director at Vedanta Ltd & Chairperson at Hindustan Zinc, shared, “For many in the LGBTQIA+ community, society can feel judgmental, even within their own homes. At Hindustan Zinc, we strive to create a welcoming, supportive environment where everyone can be their true selves. We treat our employees like family—valued and respected for who they are.”
Kaushal Singh, a Civil Infrastructure Manager at Rampura Agucha, one of the world’s largest underground zinc mining operations, said, “I was initially worried about acceptance, but Hindustan Zinc’s inclusive culture has empowered me. From gender-sensitive policies to mental wellness programs, I feel respected and supported every day. This company has allowed me to thrive, and I’m now able to advocate for others within the LGBTQIA+ community.”
Ankit Jadon, a store manager at Sindesar Khurd, one of the world’s top silver-producing mines, added, “Hindustan Zinc has given me the same responsibilities, career growth, and mentorship as any other employee. The inclusive environment here has motivated me to commit to a long-term career. I am respected and given opportunities for growth.”
To further strengthen its commitment to diversity, Hindustan Zinc has launched “Zinclusion,” an internal platform that promotes acceptance for LGBTQIA+ employees as well as individuals with disabilities, diverse ethnic backgrounds, and other underrepresented groups. Through initiatives like sensitization programs, leadership advocacy, and community outreach, the platform ensures equal opportunities and a safe space for all employees to thrive.
The company has been actively increasing its recruitment efforts to include members of the transgender community, aiming to shift the mindset of the manufacturing industry towards acceptance and inclusivity. Hindustan Zinc is targeting a 30% diversity ratio in its workforce by 2030, in line with its Sustainable Development Goals. Currently, its gender diversity ratio in the executive workforce is nearly 26%, one of the highest in the global metals and mining sector.
Hindustan Zinc has long been a pioneer in sustainability and corporate responsibility. The company has earned recognition as the world’s most sustainable company in the metals and mining category for two consecutive years, according to the S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment 2024. Hindustan Zinc also introduced EcoZen, Asia’s first low-carbon ‘green’ zinc, produced using renewable energy with a carbon footprint 75% lower than the global average. Additionally, the company is water-positive and committed to achieving Net Zero emissions by 2050 or sooner.
As part of its broader corporate social responsibility efforts, Hindustan Zinc is transforming the lives of over 2.3 million people, ranking among India’s top 10 CSR companies. With its focus on providing critical materials for a sustainable future, Hindustan Zinc is helping to drive the global energy transition and build a more inclusive, equitable workplace.
