Hindustan Zinc Limited, India’s sole and the world’s largest integrated zinc producer, has marked a major milestone by deploying women in night shifts at its Rampura Agucha facility in Bhilwara, Rajasthan—the world’s largest underground zinc mining operation.
This initiative follows the company’s successful deployment of women in night shifts across smelting operations at its Pantnagar Metal Plant and Chanderiya Smelting Complex, as well as control room operations at the Kayad mine in Ajmer. Previously, regulatory norms restricted women from working night shifts in mining. This progressive shift now opens equal career opportunities for women, allowing them to contribute meaningfully across shifts and operations.
Hindustan Zinc, a Vedanta Group company, has consistently led industry-first inclusion initiatives—from appointing India’s first female underground mine managers to creating the nation’s first all-women mine rescue team. Currently, women are contributing across back shifts at several facilities, including Dariba, Zawar Mines, and Sindesar Khurd. The result: a gender diversity ratio exceeding 25%, among the highest in India's metals, mining, and heavy engineering sectors.
Priya Agarwal Hebbar, Chairperson, Hindustan Zinc, described the move as “a proud moment for the company and for India’s mining sector,” adding, “By integrating women in underground night shifts, we’re setting new benchmarks for on-ground inclusion.”
Hindustan Zinc’s transition is enabled by advanced technologies like Industry 4.0, automation, robotics, and tele-remote mining systems, reducing manual intervention and reshaping the perception of mining as physically intensive work. These innovations have made Hindustan Zinc a preferred choice for women—33% of new recruits in FY25 have been women, many through campus placements.
Ensuring complete adherence to the Directorate General of Mines Safety (DGMS) guidelines, the company has implemented robust employee-focused policies. These include spouse hiring, sabbaticals for childcare, mental and physical health leaves, flexible hours, and monthly discretionary leaves for women—creating a work environment where gender is never a barrier to advancement.
Graduate trainee Yashika Ramnani, one of the first women on night shift at Rampura Agucha, said the inclusive culture and strong mentorship at Hindustan Zinc gave her the confidence to break new ground. Associate Manager Subhasmita Parida added that this opportunity would enhance her independence and professional growth.
Hindustan Zinc’s progressive move underscores its leadership in sustainable mining and inclusion. Ranked the most sustainable company globally in the metals and mining category by the S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment for a second consecutive year, the company also holds a 2.41x Water-Positive certification and commands 75% of India’s primary zinc market.
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