Hindustan Zinc deploys a 30 member women led operational team across shifts at the Chanderiya Smelting Complex while CEO Arun Misra says the initiative reflects the company’s push to widen participation in core metals operations
India’s metals and mining sector is witnessing a gradual expansion in women’s participation within operational roles as companies begin opening critical industrial functions to a more diverse workforce. At Hindustan Zinc’s Chanderiya Smelting Complex in Rajasthan, a new team of women engineers and operators has begun managing key metallurgical processes as part of a broader effort to expand inclusion across the company’s operations.
The development comes through the launch of the Tejaswini initiative, which places a team of 30 women professionals in charge of operations at the Leaching and Purification section of the Chanderiya Smelting Complex. The facility is among the world’s largest zinc smelting complexes and forms a key part of the company’s integrated production network supplying metals used in infrastructure, manufacturing, and energy transition applications.
The women led team will oversee core operational functions including process monitoring, maintenance coordination, and safety practices across multiple shifts. The initiative introduces fully women led operations across the Leaching and Purification I, U II, and CLZS units, a critical segment within the plant’s hydrometallurgy processes that directly influences production throughput and product quality.
The operational transition is being guided by Tanya Singh, Plant Manager L and P I Hydro, who will lead the team responsible for maintaining process stability and ensuring adherence to Hindustan Zinc’s safety standards across the unit.
Women currently represent 26.3 percent of Hindustan Zinc’s workforce, the highest proportion within India’s metals and mining sector. The company has progressively expanded roles for women across underground mining operations, smelting plants, digital control rooms, and engineering leadership positions over the past several years.
Arun Misra, CEO and Whole Time Director of Hindustan Zinc, said the initiative reflects the company’s approach toward building a more inclusive industrial workforce. “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.”
The initiative also aligns with the Vedanta Group’s broader objective of achieving 35 percent women representation across its workforce. Hindustan Zinc continues to play a key role in advancing this goal within the mining and metals sector.
In addition to expanding operational opportunities, the company has introduced several workplace infrastructure and safety measures aimed at supporting women employees. These include India’s first underground all women mine rescue team, women led night shifts, tele remote mining operations, and women operated smelting control rooms.
The company has also strengthened workplace safety through systems such as the V Safe application, CCTV monitoring, biometric access systems, female security personnel, and night transportation facilities to ensure employees can work safely across shifts.
As India’s demand for metals grows alongside infrastructure development and energy transition projects, companies within the sector are increasingly focusing on building skilled and inclusive workforces capable of managing complex industrial operations. Hindustan Zinc’s latest initiative reflects this shift as the sector continues to adapt to evolving workforce expectations and operational needs.
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