UDAIPUR (India CSR): Hindustan Zinc Limited, India’s only and the world’s largest integrated zinc producer, has taken another landmark step in its diversity and inclusion journey by introducing night shift for women employees at another business unit, Zinc Smelter Debari – the India’s oldest zinc smelter in Udaipur, Rajasthan.
The company has already implemented backshift (2 PM–10 PM) and nightshift (10 PM–6 AM) for women employees across several of its key operations, including Rampura Agucha Mine, Pantnagar Metal Plant, Chanderiya Smelting Complex, Kayad Mine, Zawar Mines, and Sindesar Khurd Mine, spread across Rajasthan & Uttarakhand. These progressive measures have collectively enabled Hindustan Zinc to achieve a gender diversity ratio of 26% – among the highest in India’s metals, mining, and heavy engineering sectors.
For Hindustan Zinc, diversity and inclusion are core business imperatives. In partnership with regulators, the company is creating opportunities and shaping a future without barriers. This marks a transformative step towards a workplace where diversity fuels innovation and inclusion drive growth. Employees are empowered through meaningful roles, stability of a multinational conglomerate and agility of a startup, and progressive policies such as flexible work options, spouse hiring, health leaves, childcare sabbaticals, and work-from-home support.
Speaking about the milestone, Priya Agarwal Hebbar, Chairperson, Hindustan Zinc Limited, said “This is a proud moment for Hindustan Zinc and a significant step forward for India’s metals and mining sector. By integrating women in nightshift at our Zinc Smelter Debari, we’re not only breaking barriers but also setting new benchmarks for inclusion on the ground. True progress comes from empowering every individual to participate fully, lead fearlessly, and thrive equally. We remain deeply committed to building a workplace where diversity drives innovation and growth.”
With cutting-edge technology, robust safety measures, and progressive policies, Hindustan Zinc continues to transform workplaces that were traditionally male-dominated into future-ready, inclusive environments. The company’s pioneering initiatives from appointing India’s first female underground mine managers to establishing the country’s first all-women underground mine rescue team reflect its ongoing commitment to gender inclusion.
Sharing her experience, Rubina Agvani, Graduate Trainee – Smelter Operations at Debari, said “Being among the first women to work backshifts at Zinc Smelter Debari is an empowering experience. Hindustan Zinc’s inclusive culture, safety protocols, and mentorship have given me the confidence to push boundaries and grow professionally. This initiative not only supports my career but also inspires more women to pursue opportunities in the mining and metals sector.”
As the world moves toward a metal-intensive future, Hindustan Zinc is leading the way in building an equitable and future-ready workforce. In a sector where women have been traditionally underrepresented, the company recognizes the critical role they play in bridging the evolving skill gap in metals and mining. By actively increasing women’s representation across all levels, the company is making the industry more inclusive, diverse, and aspirational for women professionals.
Hindustan Zinc’s flagship campaign, Women of Zinc, is a significant step in this direction, championing the vital role of women in shaping the industry’s future. With a strong commitment to achieving 30% female representation by 2030, the company is not only transforming its workforce but also redefining and leading the future of metals with Zinc minds.
(India CSR)
Read in Hindi: हिन्दुस्तान जिंक के सबसे पुराने देबारी जिंक स्मेल्टर में महिलाओं के लिए नाईटशिफ्ट की शुरूआत
