In a significant breakthrough for gender inclusivity in mining, Hindustan Zinc Limited (NSE: HINDZINC), India’s leading zinc producer, has introduced night shifts for women in surface mill operations at its underground Rampura Agucha mine in Bhilwara, Rajasthan — the world’s largest of its kind. This marks the first time an all-women team will manage full night shifts, operating from 10 PM to 6 AM in key control room functions.
Previously, women were restricted to daytime roles due to regulatory norms. This step opens new avenues for career advancement by enabling equal work opportunities for women in roles traditionally held by men.
This initiative adds to Hindustan Zinc’s growing list of efforts to promote diversity across its operations. The company has already placed women in night roles at its Pantnagar Metal Plant (Uttarakhand), Chanderiya Smelting Complex (Chittorgarh), and the Kayad mine (Ajmer), all adhering to official safety guidelines. The company also made headlines by appointing the country’s first female underground mine managers and forming the nation’s only all-women underground mine rescue team.
Currently, women are contributing during late shifts in various units such as Dariba, Zawar Mines, and Sindesar Khurd, where operations run until 10 PM. As a result of these consistent efforts, Hindustan Zinc now boasts over 25% gender diversity — among the highest in India’s mining and heavy industry sectors.
“This is a landmark moment for us and for the mining industry in India,” said Priya Agarwal Hebbar, Chairperson of Hindustan Zinc. “Empowering women to take on such roles is a testament to our commitment to fostering an inclusive, progressive work culture that values merit and opportunity for all.”
The company continues to push boundaries through modern practices and the adoption of smart technologies — including robotics, automation, real-time analytics, and tele-remote mining systems — helping to reshape the perception of mining as a labor-intensive industry. These tech-driven environments are attracting top talent, with women accounting for more than one-third of new recruits in FY25 through campus programs.
Hindustan Zinc remains fully aligned with the Directorate General of Mines Safety (DGMS) guidelines and has established extensive support systems for its women workforce. These include flexible work options, physical and mental wellness leaves, childcare sabbaticals, spouse employment policies, and monthly leave entitlements without justification — all designed to encourage equal growth.
Graduate Trainee Yashika Ramnani, working in Mill Operations at Rampura Agucha, shared, “It’s empowering to be among the first women entrusted with night shifts. The mentorship and inclusive work environment here have helped me grow in ways I never thought possible.”
Subhasmita Parida, Associate Manager at the same site, added, “Being part of this pioneering team has given me the opportunity to develop new skills and expand my professional capabilities.”
A part of the Vedanta Group, Hindustan Zinc is the world’s top integrated zinc producer and ranks third globally in silver production. With a dominant 75% share of India’s primary zinc market, the company supplies to over 40 countries. Recognized as the world’s most sustainable metals and mining company by the S&P Global Sustainability Assessment 2024 for the second year running, Hindustan Zinc is committed to innovation, responsible practices, and long-term environmental goals.
The company also recently introduced EcoZen, Asia’s first low-carbon zinc brand, produced using renewable energy with emissions 75% lower than the global average. Certified as 2.41 times water positive, Hindustan Zinc is on track to reach Net Zero emissions by 2050 or earlier. Through its community development programs, the company has impacted the lives of nearly 1.9 million people and ranks among the top ten corporate social responsibility contributors in the country.
