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• ‘Tejaswini’ all-women led section across all shifts launched at Chanderiya Smelting Complex, beginning with a team of 30 women professionals

• Women now constitute 26.3% of Hindustan Zinc’s workforce, the highest in the sectorIn a landmark move for India’s metals and mining industry, Hindustan Zinc Limited, the world’s largest integrated zinc producer and among the top five silver producers globally, has launched

‘Tejaswini’, an all-women team leading operations at Leaching & Purification section at

Chanderiya Smelting Complex, one of the world’s largest and most technologically advanced zinc smelting facilities. The initiative represents a significant milestone in the company’s journey towards building an inclusive workforce and expanding leadership opportunities for women in core operational roles across heavy industry.

Working at the Chanderiya Smelting Complex places women engineers and operators at the heart of large-scale metallurgical operations that play a crucial role in zinc production for infrastructure, manufacturing, and energy transition applications. Through the Tejaswini initiative, Hindustan Zinc is enabling women to lead critical processes within one of the most advanced smelting ecosystems in the global metals industry.

At a time when women’s participation in the mining and metals sector has historically remained limited, Hindustan Zinc is redefining industry norms by enabling women to lead critical operational functions. With women now constituting 26.3% of its workforce the highest in the sector the company continues to set new benchmarks for gender diversity in an industry traditionally dominated by men.

A dedicated team of 30 women professionals will manage core process operations, maintenance, and safety functions across these units, marking a significant step toward expanding women’s participation in core manufacturing roles. The initiative marks the introduction of fully women-led operational shifts across Leaching & Purification–I, U-II, and CLZS, a critical section within the company’s hydrometallurgy operations that directly influences zinc production throughput and product quality. The initiative is being led by Ms. Tanya Singh, Plant Manager – L&P I, Hydro, who will guide the team in ensuring operational excellence while upholding Hindustan Zinc’s safety-first culture.

Over the years, the company has expanded opportunities for women across mining and metals operations from underground mining and smelting to digital control rooms and leadership roles. These efforts align with the Vedanta Group’s aspiration of achieving 35% women representation across its workforce, with Hindustan Zinc playing a key role in advancing this vision within the sector

Arun Misra, CEO and Whole-Time Director, Hindustan Zinc, said, “At Hindustan Zinc, we believe the future of mining will be driven by diverse talent, advanced technology, and a culture of inclusion. The launch of Tejaswini reflects our commitment to creating meaningful opportunities for women in core operational roles that power industrial performance. By enabling women to lead critical processes at our smelting operations, we are strengthening our talent pipeline while demonstrating that leadership and capability transcend traditional industry boundaries. As we pursue our long-term growth ambitions, initiatives like these will help shape a more progressive and future-ready mining sector.” 

As India accelerates its ambitions in infrastructure, clean energy and industrial growth, Hindustan Zinc continues to demonstrate how inclusive workplaces can drive operational excellence and innovation. Through initiatives such as Tejaswini and its continued investment in people-centric policies, the company is setting new benchmarks for the metals and mining industry. The company has introduced India’s first underground all-women mine rescue team, enabled women engineers to lead night shifts, tele-remote mining operations and smelting control rooms, and strengthened workplace infrastructure through initiatives such as V-Safe app integration, CCTV surveillance, biometric access systems, female security personnel and night transportation facilities, ensuring employees can work with confidence, safety and leadership while shaping a more diverse and future-ready workforce.