In a major step towards gender diversity and equality in a male-dominated industry, Vedanta group-led integrated zinc producer Hindustan Zinc has integrated women in the night shift at the Surface (Mill) in underground mining at Rampura Agucha, which is home to the world’s largest underground zinc mining operations in Bhilwara (Rajasthan).

The move will see an all-women team working full night shifts from 10 PM to 6 AM in mining operations across the mill control room.

The company has informed that women have been successfully deployed in night shift across Hindustan Zinc's smelting operations at the Pantnagar Metal Plant in Uttarakhand and the Chanderiya Smelting Complex in Chittorgarh (Rajasthan). Also, the company’s Kayad mine in Ajmer (Rajasthan) has deployed women in night shifts at the control room for mining operations.

Earlier, per regulatory norms, women were permitted to work only in the day shift. The current development allows women to access the same career opportunities as their male counterparts, the company says.

"The company has previously led industry-first initiatives by appointing India’s first female underground mine managers and establishing the nation’s first all-women underground mine rescue team. Women are also contributing across back shifts (10 PM to 6 AM) at key locations, including the Dariba Smelting Complex, Zawar Mines, and Sindesar Khurd Mine, where operational shifts extend till 10 PM," the company says.

With this, Hindustan Zinc says it has achieved a gender diversity ratio of over 25%, one of the highest in India’s metals, mining, and heavy engineering sectors.

Priya Agarwal Hebbar, Chairperson – Hindustan Zinc, says by integrating women in night shifts at its underground mines, the company is not just breaking barriers, but setting new benchmarks for inclusion. “It reflects our belief that true progress lies in empowering every individual to participate fully, lead fearlessly, and thrive equally."

The company says its digital mines, featuring tele-remote underground mining (where underground mining equipment is operated remotely from the surface) and real-time analytics, have resulted in over 33% of women joining through campus recruitment drives in FY25.

Companies operating in traditionally male-dominated sectors such as energy, real estate, auto, and logistics have generally struggled with meaningful gender representation. But the likes of Hindustan Zinc are changing the narrative. As studies increasingly highlight the operational and financial advantages of hiring women, these companies are moving beyond tokenism. They recognise the tangible benefits of a diverse workforce and are taking deliberate steps to ensure the right mix of employees at all levels.

India needs to add 145 million “missing” women into the workforce by 2047 to achieve a 70% female labour force participation rate [FLFPR] and reach its GDP goal of $30 trillion. Without intervention, the country is projected to add only 110 million women, with an FLFPR of 45%, leaving a huge gap, according to an October 2024 study by Magic Bus India Foundation and Bain & Co.