Vedanta Limited marked the International Day of Women in Mining by recognizing the country’s largest group of women working in underground mines.
- Vedanta is home to India’s first and largest cohort of women in underground mining
- The company’s diversity ratio stands at nearly 22% and is on track to achieve 30% by FY2030
In 2019, Vedanta and Hindustan Zinc became the first companies in India to bring women into these roles. Today, more than 550 women are involved in key mining work across Vedanta’s businesses.
The company’s workforce comprises over 3,000 women, and its current gender balance stands at nearly 22%, with a target of reaching 30% by 2030. This is higher than most other companies in India’s metals and mining field.
Traditionally, the sector has had very few women, especially in frontline mining work. But Vedanta has led the way with several firsts, such as women-led mine rescue teams and a full team of women working in underground mining at Hindustan Zinc.
The company also runs all-women teams in aluminum production and train operations.
This progress is supported by Vedanta’s focus on safer and more tech-based work settings. The company uses systems that reduce manual tasks through robotics, automation, and remote tools. These changes have made it easier for more women to take on these roles.
Vedanta also runs training programs to bring in fresh talent and make the field more open to all. Their digital mines use tools like drone checks, real-time data, and remote controls, helping boost the number of women in mining roles.
Priya Agarwal Hebbar, Non-Executive Director at Vedanta Ltd and Chairperson at Hindustan Zinc Ltd, said, “We are focused on building a workplace where everyone has a fair chance. Women are now playing a bigger part in India’s growth, and fields like metals and mining mustn’t fall behind.”
“From the first underground women miners to rescue teams, women at Vedanta are showing what’s possible. Our work policies support this and give people the tools they need to succeed.” She added.
In the early 1900s, it was normal to see women working in this field. But laws put in place in 1923 and a full ban in 1937 under British rule blocked women from working underground.
A brief change during World War II allowed about 70,000 women into the mines, but this didn’t last. The field stayed male-dominated for decades. It wasn’t until 2019, after seven mining students raised the issue, that the law changed. Vedanta quickly moved to bring women into its underground operations.
Yogeshwari Rane, the first woman in India to pass both the underground and open-pit mining exams, now works at Vedanta’s iron ore site in Goa. She said, “I grew up around mines in Goa and was always interested. Vedanta gave me a chance to work hands-on and grow in this space.”
Sandhya Rasakatla, India’s first woman to lead an underground mine, added, “It feels good to be part of something new. Getting the same roles and support as male workers helped me grow both personally and at work.”
Vedanta has workplace policies that support families and wellbeing. These include a spouse hiring policy, a year-long break for childcare, and leave options that don’t require employees to explain the reason. Staff also live in company-provided housing with easy access to schools, clinics, daycare, sports areas, and more.
Vedanta Limited is a major player in metals, energy, and related sectors. It is the top zinc producer in the world, one of the largest aluminum makers, India’s only private oil and gas company, and among the top power producers. It is also adding rare earths and clean energy to its business.
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