Hindustan Zinc Limited has unveiled ‘Tejaswini’, a pioneering initiative that places an all-women workforce in charge of operations at the Leaching and Purification section of its Chanderiya Smelting Complex. The move marks a major step toward advancing gender diversity within India’s metals and mining industry while opening new avenues for women in technical and operational positions.
The Chanderiya Smelting Complex ranks among the largest and most technologically advanced zinc smelting facilities in the world. Through the Tejaswini programme, women engineers and operators will take responsibility for critical process activities at the facility, positioning them at the centre of large-scale metallurgical operations that support the production of zinc used across infrastructure, manufacturing and emerging clean-energy applications.
The initiative introduces women-led operational shifts across key units within the Leaching and Purification area, a vital part of the company’s hydrometallurgical process chain. These operations directly influence the efficiency of zinc extraction as well as the quality of the final metal produced. By entrusting these responsibilities to a team of women professionals, Hindustan Zinc is reinforcing its commitment to inclusive growth within heavy industry.
A group of 30 women professionals has been assigned to manage process monitoring, maintenance coordination and safety oversight within the section. Their responsibilities will cover operations across Leaching & Purification–I, U-II and CLZS units, which together form a crucial link in the company’s zinc production cycle.
The team will operate under the leadership of Tanya Singh, Plant Manager – L&P I (Hydro), who will guide the group in maintaining high standards of operational discipline, efficiency and safety. Participation of women in mining and metals industries has historically remained low due to the demanding nature of industrial operations. Hindustan Zinc has been steadily working to change this landscape by creating pathways for women to enter and advance within core technical roles.
Women currently account for 26.3 percent of Hindustan Zinc’s workforce, the highest representation within India’s mining and metals sector. The company continues to introduce initiatives aimed at expanding women’s participation across operational and leadership positions.
Arun Misra, Chief Executive Officer and Whole-Time Director of Hindustan Zinc, said the Tejaswini programme reflects the organisation’s belief that diverse talent is essential for the future of the mining sector. “At Hindustan Zinc, we see the future of mining being shaped by technological progress, skilled talent and a culture that encourages inclusion,” he said. “Tejaswini is an important step toward empowering women to take charge of core industrial operations that support our growth and performance.”
He added that encouraging women to lead complex production processes strengthens the organisation’s talent base while demonstrating that leadership in heavy industry is defined by capability rather than convention. The initiative also supports the Vedanta Group’s wider objective of achieving 35 percent women representation across its global workforce, with Hindustan Zinc playing a significant role in advancing that ambition within the mining sector.
Over the years, the company has introduced several programmes to strengthen gender diversity across its operations. These include the formation of India’s first underground all-women mine rescue team, deployment of women engineers in underground mining operations, and enabling women professionals to lead night shifts and remote-operated mining activities.
To ensure a secure and enabling work environment, Hindustan Zinc has invested in infrastructure and safety measures such as CCTV surveillance systems, biometric entry controls, female security personnel, dedicated transport for night shifts and integration of the V-Safe digital safety platform.
By combining inclusive workplace policies with technological advancement, the company continues to demonstrate how diversity can contribute to operational strength and innovation within the mining and metals sector.
Hindustan Zinc Limited (BSE: 500188; NSE: HINDZINC), a company of the Vedanta Group, is the world’s largest integrated zinc producer and ranks among the top five silver producers globally. The company exports to more than 40 countries and commands roughly 77 percent share of India’s primary zinc market.
The organisation was recognised as the world’s most sustainable company in the metals and mining category for the third consecutive year in the S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment 2025. In the same year, it became the first Indian company to join the International Council on Mining & Metals (ICMM).
Hindustan Zinc has also introduced EcoZen, Asia’s first low-carbon zinc brand produced using renewable energy. The product has a carbon footprint nearly 75 percent lower than the global industry average. The company is 3.32 times water-positive and has committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 or earlier.
