Hindustan Zinc Limited (HZL), the world’s largest integrated zinc producer and among the top five silver producers globally, has reached a major milestone in workplace diversity. With women making up 26.3% of its workforce, Hindustan Zinc is now the most gender-diverse company in India’s metals and mining sector, an industry long viewed as male-dominated.
The company employs more than 745 women professionals, including over 314 women engineers and technical specialists working in core operational roles. Women at Hindustan Zinc are engaged in underground mining, smelting operations, heavy equipment handling, mine rescue, and night-shift responsibilities, reflecting a shift in industry norms.
Hindustan Zinc has also achieved several firsts, including early deployment of women in underground mines, the formation of an all-women underground mine rescue team, and full inclusion of women across night shifts in mining and smelting operations.
To build on this progress, the company launched a 25-day campaign titled “She Knows the Ground She Stands On,” focused on encouraging women to explore careers in metals and mining. The initiative brought students from leading science institutions to Hindustan Zinc’s operations, where they experienced modern mining technologies, interacted with teams, and gained insight into technical leadership roles. The campaign also highlights real-life stories of women working across operations and showcases structured career pathways in mining and metallurgy.
Technology remains central to Hindustan Zinc’s operations. The company has adopted Industry 4.0 practices, automation, robotics, tele-remote mining, drone monitoring, and real-time analytics, improving safety and accessibility for a diverse workforce.
Commenting on the achievement, CEO Arun Misra said, “Empowering women in mining is essential for the future of our industry. At Hindustan Zinc, women are leading operations, driving automation, and contributing to sustainable metallurgy. Our goal is to reach 30% diversity by 2030 while ensuring equal opportunities for growth.”
Hindustan Zinc supports employees through progressive policies, including spouse hiring, a one-year childcare sabbatical, flexible work options, and integrated townships with schools, hospitals, and childcare facilities near operations. As demand rises for critical minerals in the energy transition, Hindustan Zinc continues to invest in skills development, mentorship, and career pathways for women, setting new standards for safe, inclusive, and future-ready workplaces in India’s metals and mining sector.
