Hindustan Zinc Limited has reached 25 per cent women representation in its workforce, a milestone aptly termed ‘25 on 25’. This milestone reinforces the company’s commitment to gender diversity in the traditionally male-dominated industries of metals, mining and heavy engineering.
Furthermore, Hindustan Zinc remains on track to achieve 30 per cent women representation by 2030, aligning with its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Hindustan Zinc’s gender diversity ratio surpasses industry benchmarks, positioning it ahead of several global and domestic peers in metals & mining. Notably, Hindustan Zinc is home to India’s first women underground mine managers and has established the country’s first and second all-women underground mine rescue teams.
Priya Agarwal Hebbar, Chairperson – Hindustan Zinc Limited, said, “For any business to thrive, equal representation is not just important – it’s essential. A truly successful organization values every voice and ensures that diverse perspectives shape its future. At Hindustan Zinc, we take pride in championing gender diversity in the traditional metals and mining sector. Today, over 700 talented women are driving our transition toward a low-carbon economy, breaking barriers and redefining industry norms. Our vision is ambitious yet clear – to significantly accelerate this momentum and achieve 30 per cent diversity within the next five years. The growing number of women choosing careers in mining and metallurgy is a testament to this shift – one fueled by our industry-first, people-centric policies and a wealth of opportunities designed for holistic professional growth. Diversity, equity, and inclusion are embedded in Hindustan Zinc’s DNA. We are committed to building a workplace where every individual—regardless of gender – has a voice, access to opportunities, and the support to excel.”
As the metals, mining & manufacturing sector emerges as a key driver of India’s economic transformation, Hindustan Zinc is committed to fostering an inclusive workplace that empowers women at every stage of their careers. What is truly unique is the company’s ability to provide rich job content to its employees across high-growth businesses. Employees enjoy the best of both worlds – the stability of a global conglomerate with the agility of a start-up. Talent mobility across functions allows them to explore diverse roles and seamlessly transition across different domains. Progressive workplace policies, such as spouse hiring policy, physical & mental health leaves, year-long sabbaticals for childcare, flexible-working hours, monthly no-questions-asked leaves for women further enhance opportunities, ensuring that gender is never a barrier to career advancement. The company is also integrating women in backshifts (up to 10 PM) across mines and plants beyond the general shift timings, ensuring women have access to equal career growth opportunities available to their male counterparts.
Leveraging cutting-edge technologies such as Industry 4.0, digitalization, robotics, and automation, Hindustan Zinc is revolutionizing operations, eliminating manual intervention, and dismantling outdated perceptions of the sector being physically demanding. The company’s digital mines, featuring tele-remote underground mining (where underground mining equipment is operated remotely from the surface) and real-time analytics, provide exciting and inclusive career pathways for all. This has resulted in more than 34 per cent women joining Hindustan Zinc through campus recruitment drives in FY24, making Hindustan Zinc the top choice for women in metals. The company actively hires across various job roles.
Dr Kavita Bhardwaj, Head of Exploration – Hindustan Zinc Limited, shared her experience, stating:
“At Hindustan Zinc, talent—not gender—defines success. The company’s inclusive culture, strong mentorship, and leadership opportunities have empowered me to take on diverse and challenging roles, giving me the confidence to push boundaries and excel in ways I never imagined.”
Sakshi Gupta, member of India’s First All-Women Underground Mine Rescue Team & Assurance Manager, added:
“Women are no longer just participants in change, we are leading it. Mining, once considered a male-dominated field, is now witnessing a revolution. At Hindustan Zinc we are not just given opportunities; we are encouraged to innovate, break barriers, and redefine the future of metals. The culture of support and empowerment has enabled us to challenge conventions and set new industry benchmarks.”
Hindustan Zinc’s commitment to inclusion extends beyond employment. The company’s world-class townships, located near its plants, provide modern amenities such as schools, hospitals, daycare centres, creches, places of worship and sports and recreational facilities, fostering a vibrant social life for employees and their families.
Beyond direct employment, Hindustan Zinc’s social impact initiatives are driving economic independence for women in rural communities. Through Zinc Kaushal Kendra, over 500 women have been trained in science-based vocational courses like nursing and electrical work, enhancing their employability and financial independence.
Additionally, the company’s Sakhi initiative nurtures women-led micro-enterprises, empowering women entrepreneurs in rural Rajasthan by facilitating e-commerce sales for their products.
