India’s largest and the world’s second-largest integrated zinc producer, proudly celebrated the International Day of Women & Girls in Science by recognizing the outstanding contributions of women across its operations. With one of India’s largest cohorts of over 200 women engineers working in mines and smelters, the company is leading the way in reshaping the metals industry.

With a gender diversity ratio of approximately 25 per cent, Hindustan Zinc employs over 700 women in core operations, a figure that stands significantly higher than many of its peers in India's core manufacturing, metal, and mining sectors. The company has also set remarkable industry benchmarks—India’s first women mine managers in underground mining and the country’s first and second all-women underground mine rescue teams operate within Hindustan Zinc’s sites.

Women at Hindustan Zinc are making groundbreaking contributions in engineering, research, geology, and lab sciences, underscoring the company’s commitment to fostering female talent in STEM fields. Notably, over 70% of the women employees at Hindustan Zinc have a background in science, actively driving technological advancements in mining, engineering, and core operations. As a global producer of metals used in high-tech applications, Hindustan Zinc values diverse perspectives that lead to robust decision-making. This approach is supported by career-enhancing opportunities, including night shifts, meaningful job roles, and progressive workplace policies that enable women to thrive professionally.

Hindustan Zinc is actively transforming the mining and metal industry by integrating Industry 4.0 technologies, digitalization, robotics, and automation, eliminating the need for manual labour and making mining more accessible to a diverse workforce. The company’s digital mines, featuring tele-remote underground mining, real-time analytics, and automation, provide equal career opportunities for all in a fast-evolving industry.

Reaffirming this commitment, Arun Misra, CEO of Hindustan Zinc, stated: “Hindustan Zinc is dedicated to increasing female representation in our workforce to 25 per cent by 2025 and 30 per cent by 2030. By investing in women, particularly in science and mining, we are building a future where female talent in traditionally male-dominated fields is not just recognised but celebrated. Our push for women in leadership is not just about gender parity—it is about harnessing diverse perspectives for problem-solving and decision-making in complex environments.”

Sheeba Mashruwala, Head Research & Development – Hindustan Zinc, said, “The company not only provided specialized training to enhance my technical skills but also built a strong mentorship network to navigate industry challenges. Hindustan Zinc fosters a gender-agnostic environment, where skills and performance matter most, helping me thrive.”

Beyond direct employment, Hindustan Zinc’s social impact initiative, Zinc Kaushal Kendra, has trained over 500 women through pre-vocational science-related courses such as nursing and electrical work, enhancing their employability and financial independence.

As India’s leading mining and metals company, Hindustan Zinc is at the forefront of fostering a diverse and inclusive workforce by breaking barriers and redefining industry standards. Hindustan Zinc’s commitment to supporting women across all life stages has led to progressive policies such as spouse hiring, year-long sabbaticals for childcare, mental and physical health leave policies, and career-enhancing opportunities. By creating a workplace where science-driven innovation and gender diversity thrive, Hindustan Zinc is setting a new benchmark for inclusivity in the mining and metals industry.