Udaipur, June 16, 2025 - Vedanta and Hindustan Zinc made history in 2019 by being the first in India to include women in underground mining operations. Currently, more than 550 women are engaged in core mining roles across the company’s various businesses. As a leading Indian energy transition metals, critical minerals, energy, and technology conglomerate, Vedanta is actively promoting gender inclusion across its operations nationwide. With over 22% gender diversity, Vedanta employs more than 3,000 women, who are making significant contributions to the industry - setting a strong example of female representation in India's metals and mining sector.

Historically, the natural resources sector has seen very limited female participation in the workforce. However, Vedanta has taken several pioneering steps in this area - such as employing India’s first underground women miners and forming all-women underground mine rescue teams at Hindustan Zinc. Hindustan Zinc now has three fully female underground rescue teams, the highest number in India. Women’s participation is also notable in Vedanta’s core metal production processes. For instance, the company operates a fully women-run aluminium production line (potline) and a women-operated locomotive unit.

Vedanta’s commitment to high-quality job content and a tech-driven approach under Industry 4.0 has made this progress possible. Robotics and automation have reduced human intervention and standardised work processes in the sector. Amid global demand surges for critical minerals and energy transition metals, the company is offering career opportunities in this high-growth domain. By providing equal career opportunities for all genders, Vedanta is helping bridge the skill gap in the sector. The company also runs digital mines, featuring surface-based underground mining (tele-remote operations), drone surveillance, real-time analytics and automation. As a result of these initiatives, there has been a significant rise in the number of women professionals choosing mining as a career at Vedanta.

On this occasion, Priya Agarwal Hebbar, Non-Executive Director , Vedanta Limited, and Chairperson, Hindustan Zinc Limited, said:

“At Vedanta, we are committed to building an inclusive workplace where everyone gets equal opportunities. Women-led development has become a key pillar of sustainable growth in India, and we are continuously working in that direction. Metals and mining will play a crucial role in the country’s low-carbon future, and bridging the skills gap in this sector is essential. From India’s first underground women miners to the country’s first female rescue team - Vedanta’s women are breaking boundaries. Through progressive policies, we aim to empower and elevate this talented female workforce. We are building a future where diversity inspires innovation, inclusion accelerates progress, and everyone has the chance to create meaningful, sustainable impact.”

At the beginning of the 20th century, it was common for women to work in the metals and mining sector. However, the Indian Mining Act of 1923 restricted women from working in underground mines, and in 1937, during British rule, a complete ban was enforced. This restriction was temporarily lifted between 1943 and 1946, during which nearly 70,000 women were permitted to work underground. For almost 80 years, metals and mining were seen as unsuitable careers for women. In 2019, a petition by a group of seven mining engineering students prompted the government to finally lift the ban. Vedanta’s Hindustan Zinc then became the first company to employ female mining engineers in underground mines.

Yogeshwari Rane, India’s first woman to pass the First-Class Examination in both underground and opencast mining, now working at Vedanta’s iron ore mine in Goa, said:

“Coming from a mining background in Goa, I’ve always had a special interest in this field. Thanks to the opportunities provided by Vedanta, I was able to move beyond textbooks and gain real-world experience. I’ve had the chance to work in both underground and opencast mines, and I see immense growth potential here.”

Sandhya Raskatla, India’s first underground female mine manager, from the Zawar Group of Mines in Rajasthan, shared her journey:

“I’ve always been fascinated by the world of metals and mining. As a woman, I feel proud to be part of this industry. I was the first woman in mining here to gain such exposure. The environment here allows us to work collaboratively with our male counterparts. We learn together, work together, and grow together. Overall, the workplace fosters both personal and professional development.”

Vedanta offers progressive workplace policies, such as a spousal hiring policy, one-year childcare leave, and a “No Questions Asked” leave policy to prioritise mental and physical health. Beyond these policies, employees have the opportunity to live in world-class townships near plant locations, offering all modern amenities. These include schools, hospitals, daycare centres, crèches, places of worship, sports and recreational facilities like swimming pools, golf courses, and movie theaters.

Vedanta Limited operates a diversified portfolio of world-class assets and is a global leader in critical minerals, energy, and technology. The company is the world’s largest integrated zinc producer, the third-largest silver producer globally, one of the top aluminum producers, India’s only private oil and gas producer, and one of the country’s largest private power producers.

Looking ahead, Vedanta is expanding its business portfolio by entering rare earth metals, other critical minerals, and renewable energy sectors.