Hindustan Zinc Limited, India’s largest and the world’s second-largest integrated zinc producer, has achieved a significant milestone ahead of International Women’s Day 2025 by attaining over 25% women representation in its workforce.
Aptly termed “25 on 25,” this achievement highlights the company’s focus on gender diversity.
It reinforces Hindustan Zinc’s leadership in traditionally male-dominated industries such as metals, mining, and heavy engineering.
The company is now set on its next goal of achieving 30% female workforce representation by 2030, in alignment with its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Dr. Kavita Bhardwaj, Head of Exploration at Hindustan Zinc, highlighted the company’s inclusive culture.
She stated, “At Hindustan Zinc, talent—not gender—defines success. Strong mentorship and leadership opportunities have empowered me to take on diverse and challenging roles, pushing boundaries and excelling in ways I never imagined.”
Similarly, Sakshi Gupta, a member of India’s first all-women underground mine rescue team, added, “At Hindustan Zinc, we are encouraged to innovate, break barriers, and redefine the future of metals.”
Hindustan Zinc Delivers A Benchmark in Gender Diversity
Hindustan Zinc’s gender diversity ratio exceeds industry standards. This places the company ahead of several global and domestic peers in the metals and mining sector.
The organization is home to India’s first women underground mine managers. It has also established the country’s first and second all-women underground mine rescue teams.
By championing gender diversity, the company is setting new benchmarks and challenging stereotypes in traditionally male-dominated industries.
Priya Agarwal Hebbar, Chairperson of Hindustan Zinc Limited, emphasized the importance of equal representation.
She stated, “A truly successful organization values every voice and ensures that diverse perspectives shape its future.”
Priya added, “At Hindustan Zinc, we take pride in championing gender diversity in the traditional metals and mining sector.”
“Our vision is ambitious yet clear – to accelerate this momentum and achieve 30% diversity within the next five years,” she concluded.
Empowering Women in Mining
Hindustan Zinc is fostering an inclusive workplace that empowers women at every stage of their careers.
The company has implemented progressive workplace policies such as spouse hiring and sabbaticals for childcare.
It also offers flexible working hours and monthly no-questions-asked leaves for women. These initiatives ensure that gender is never a barrier to career advancement.
The organization is also integrating women into backshift operations (up to 10 PM), providing them with equal career growth opportunities.
Leveraging advanced technologies such as Industry 4.0, digitalization, robotics, and tele-remote underground mining, Hindustan Zinc is revolutionizing its operations and dismantling outdated perceptions of the sector as physically demanding.
These advancements have led to over 34% of campus hires in FY24 being women.
This has strengthened Hindustan Zinc’s reputation as a top choice for women in the metals industry.
Community Impact and Sustainability at Hindustan Zinc
Hindustan Zinc’s commitment to gender diversity extends beyond its workforce.
Through its Zinc Kaushal Kendra initiative, the company has trained over 500 women in science-based vocational courses like nursing and electrical work, enhancing their employability and financial independence.
Additionally, the company’s Sakhi initiative supports women entrepreneurs in rural Rajasthan, enabling them to scale their businesses through e-commerce platforms.
Recognized for its sustainability practices, Hindustan Zinc has been named the world’s most sustainable company in the metals and mining category by the S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment for the second consecutive year.
The company is a certified 2.41 times Water-Positive organization and plays a pivotal role in providing critical metals essential for global energy transition.
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