Vedanta Group has reinforced its commitment to workplace diversity by significantly increasing women’s participation across its mining, metals, energy and manufacturing businesses. Marking the International Day for Women in Mining, the company announced that women now represent 23% of its total workforce, with 13% serving in operational and technical roles across mines, plants, refineries, smelters and control centres—well above the mining industry’s average representation.
The company attributes this progress to sustained investments in automation, digital technologies and modern operating systems that have transformed the nature of industrial work. Advanced monitoring platforms, data-driven operations, mechanised equipment and digital process controls have created safer and more efficient workplaces while opening opportunities for professionals across engineering, production and technical disciplines.
Vedanta has set an ambitious target of raising women’s representation to 35% across the organisation. The company is strengthening this pipeline through focused recruitment initiatives, with women accounting for half of all campus hires during FY26 and nearly one-third of STEM recruits.
Priya Agarwal Hebbar, Non-Executive Director of Vedanta Limited and Chairperson of Hindustan Zinc Limited, said the company’s experience demonstrates that technological advancement is creating a more inclusive industrial ecosystem where skills and innovation determine success. She noted that women are increasingly contributing to frontline operations, engineering functions and leadership positions while helping shape a modern natural resources industry.
Across Vedanta’s businesses, women are taking responsibility for critical operational functions. At Vedanta Aluminium, female geologists are involved in mineral exploration, geological modelling, mine planning and coal quality management. The company’s aluminium operations at Jharsuguda also feature an all-women potline team responsible for overseeing aluminium production at one of the world’s largest smelting facilities.
Hindustan Zinc continues to expand women’s participation in underground mining operations. The company became the first mining enterprise in India to deploy women engineers underground following regulatory changes introduced in 2019. Women engineers now contribute to underground production activities and are also part of India’s first all-women underground mine rescue teams, strengthening emergency preparedness and operational safety.
The company has also broadened opportunities for women in shift-based operations. Female professionals now work night shifts across Vedanta Aluminium, Hindustan Zinc and Vedanta Oil & Gas, supported by dedicated transport services and enhanced workplace safety measures. At the Mangala Processing Terminal, women have been managing complex hydrocarbon processing operations during night shifts since 2019.
Vedanta’s employee development framework extends beyond hiring through structured return-to-work programmes following maternity leave, flexible work policies, spouse employment opportunities at remote project sites, leadership development initiatives and integrated township facilities offering healthcare, education, childcare and recreational infrastructure.
Vedanta Group is a globally diversified natural resources, energy and technology enterprise with leadership positions across metals, mining, oil and gas, critical minerals and power. The company plays a vital role in supplying the essential resources that support industrial development, energy security and the global transition toward a low-carbon economy.
With a strong operational footprint spanning India, Africa, the Middle East and East Asia, Vedanta serves key growth markets through an integrated portfolio of world-class assets and advanced technologies. Its businesses contribute to critical sectors including infrastructure, manufacturing, renewable energy, mobility and emerging technologies. Sustainability is central to Vedanta’s long-term growth strategy.
The company is focused on responsible resource development, operational excellence and environmental stewardship, supported by robust ESG practices, a people-centric workplace culture and a target to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 or earlier. By combining innovation, technology and responsible business practices, Vedanta continues to create long-term value for customers, communities, employees and investors while contributing to economic progress and sustainable development across the regions in which it operates.
