Ahead of International Women’s Day 2025, Hindustan Zinc Limited, India’s largest and the world’s second-largest integrated zinc producer, has marked a significant achievement by reaching 25% women representation in its workforce, a milestone it has proudly named ‘25 on 25’. This landmark achievement underscores the company’s commitment to advancing gender diversity in the traditionally male-dominated sectors of metals, mining, and heavy engineering. Furthermore, the company is set on achieving 30% women representation by 2030, aligning with its broader Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
This achievement positions Hindustan Zinc ahead of many global and domestic peers in the metals and mining industry, showcasing its role as a frontrunner in diversity. The company is home to India’s first women underground mine managers and has also formed the nation’s first two all-women underground mine rescue teams.
Priya Agarwal Hebbar, Chairperson of Hindustan Zinc, commented, “For any organization to thrive, equal representation is not optional – it’s a must. A successful company values all voices, and diverse perspectives help shape its future. At Hindustan Zinc, we’re proud to lead the charge in breaking gender norms in the mining sector. More than 700 talented women are driving our transition toward a low-carbon future. Our ambition is clear—to reach 30% women workforce in the next five years. The increasing number of women entering the fields of mining and metallurgy speaks to the changing landscape, which we are actively shaping through industry-first policies and a wealth of career development opportunities.”
As India’s metals, mining, and manufacturing sectors continue to drive economic transformation, Hindustan Zinc remains committed to fostering an inclusive workplace. The company offers dynamic job content across high-growth sectors, combining the stability of a global conglomerate with the flexibility of a start-up. Employees enjoy diverse roles and the opportunity to transition seamlessly across different areas within the company.
The company is also transforming operations by leveraging cutting-edge technologies such as Industry 4.0, digitalization, robotics, and automation, reducing the physical demands of the job and shifting outdated perceptions of mining. The introduction of tele-remote underground mining and real-time analytics in its digital mines has created exciting career opportunities for all employees. This approach has led to more than 34% of women being recruited through campus hiring drives in FY24, making Hindustan Zinc one of the top choices for women in the sector.
Dr Kavita Bhardwaj, Head of Exploration at Hindustan Zinc, shared, “At Hindustan Zinc, talent—not gender—defines success. The inclusive culture, mentorship, and leadership opportunities have empowered me to take on a variety of challenging roles, boosting my confidence and giving me the opportunity to excel.”
Sakshi Gupta, member of India’s first all-women underground mine rescue team, and Assurance Manager, added, “Women are not just participating in change anymore; we are leading it. At Hindustan Zinc, we are encouraged to innovate and break barriers, setting new benchmarks in the industry.”
Beyond its workforce, Hindustan Zinc is making a difference in the community with its social impact initiatives. The Zinc Kaushal Kendra has trained over 500 women in vocational courses such as nursing and electrical work, boosting their employability and financial independence. In addition, the company’s Sakhi initiative supports women-led micro-enterprises, helping women entrepreneurs in rural Rajasthan sell their products through e-commerce platforms.
As a subsidiary of Vedanta Group, Hindustan Zinc is the world’s second-largest integrated zinc producer and the third-largest silver producer. The company holds a market share of about 75% of India’s primary zinc market.
Hindustan Zinc has also been recognized as the most sustainable company in the metals and mining category for the second consecutive year by the S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment in 2024, reflecting its ESG leadership and operational excellence. The company is also 2.41 times water-positive, contributing to global sustainability goals. By focusing on gender equality and sustainability, Hindustan Zinc continues to drive the future of metals and mining, playing a pivotal role in the global energy transition towards a greener future.
