Hindustan Zinc Limited, India’s largest zinc producer and the world’s leading integrated zinc supplier, has marked another significant milestone in its commitment to diversity and inclusion. The company has introduced night shifts for women employees at its Zinc Smelter Debari, located in Udaipur, Rajasthan – the oldest zinc smelter in India.
Building on the success of implementing night shifts at other key locations such as Rampura Agucha Mine, Pantnagar Metal Plant, Chanderiya Smelting Complex, Kayad Mine, Zawar Mines, and Sindesar Khurd Mine, Hindustan Zinc is setting a new industry standard. The company now employs women on full-time shifts across all its smelters and mines in Rajasthan and Uttarakhand. These efforts have contributed to achieving a gender diversity ratio of 26%, one of the highest in India’s metals, mining, and heavy engineering sectors.
For Hindustan Zinc, fostering an inclusive workplace is a fundamental business priority. Through strategic partnerships with regulators and stakeholders, the company is pioneering efforts to create equal opportunities and a barrier-free future. This progress not only drives innovation but also supports growth across all levels of the organization.
Speaking on this landmark achievement, Priya Agarwal Hebbar, Chairperson of Hindustan Zinc, stated
“This is a proud moment for Hindustan Zinc and the Indian metals and mining sector. By integrating women into night shifts at our Zinc Smelter Debari, we are breaking down barriers and setting new standards for inclusion. Empowering individuals to fully participate and succeed, regardless of gender, is the true essence of progress. We are committed to building a workplace where diversity is the driving force behind innovation and growth.”
Hindustan Zinc continues to transform traditionally male-dominated environments into inclusive, progressive workplaces, equipped with state-of-the-art technology and a culture of safety. This includes initiatives like appointing India’s first female underground mine managers and creating the country’s first all-women underground mine rescue team. These actions reflect the company’s ongoing commitment to gender equality.
Rubina Agvani, Graduate Trainee – Smelter Operations at Debari, shared her experience:
“Being among the first women to work the night shifts at Zinc Smelter Debari has been an empowering journey. Hindustan Zinc’s inclusive culture, safety-first approach, and mentorship have given me the confidence to push boundaries and excel in my career. This initiative inspires me, and I hope it encourages more women to consider careers in mining and metals.”
As the global demand for metals continues to grow, Hindustan Zinc is committed to developing an equitable and future-ready workforce. In a sector historically dominated by men, the company recognizes the important role women play in bridging the skills gap in the industry. By increasing female representation at all levels, Hindustan Zinc is making the industry more inclusive, diverse, and aspirational for women professionals.
The company’s flagship campaign, Women of Zinc, champions the pivotal role of women in shaping the future of the metals industry. Hindustan Zinc is also working towards achieving a 30% female workforce by 2030, setting a clear target to further diversify its workforce and redefine the future of the sector.
Hindustan Zinc Limited, a subsidiary of the Vedanta Group, is the world’s largest integrated zinc producer and a leading global silver producer. The company serves more than 40 countries and holds a 77% market share in the primary zinc market in India. Hindustan Zinc was recognized as the world’s most sustainable company in the metals and mining category by the S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment 2024, marking its leadership in operational excellence, innovation, and ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) practices. It is also the first Indian company to join the International Council on Mining & Metals (ICMM) in 2025.
The company has launched EcoZen, Asia’s first low-carbon ‘green’ zinc brand, produced with renewable energy and a carbon footprint of less than 1 tonne per tonne of zinc—about 75% lower than the global average. Hindustan Zinc is a certified water-positive company, and it is committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 or sooner. Through its CSR initiatives, the company impacts the lives of 2.3 million people and ranks among the top 10 CSR companies in India. As a key player in energy transition metals, Hindustan Zinc is integral to the sustainable future of industries worldwide.
