Vedanta is home to India's first and largest team of women in underground mining

NEW DELHI, June 16, 2025 -- On International Day of Women in Mining, Vedanta Limited (NSE: VEDL) celebrated India's largest team of women in underground mining. Vedanta and Hindustan Zinc were the first in India to induct women in underground mining in 2019. Over 550 women work in core mining operations across the company's various businesses. With over 22% gender diversity, Vedanta's workforce includes more than 3,000 women employees, marking a substantial representation of women in this sector compared to its domestic peers.

This sector has historically faced glaring under-representation of women. However, Vedanta has achieved many firsts, such as the country's first underground women miners and all-women underground mine rescue teams at Hindustan Zinc. Also, Hindustan Zinc has the distinction of having three all-women underground mine rescue teams, the highest in India. In addition to mining, the company has a high representation of women in core metal production operations as well. For instance, the company has an all-women aluminium production line (potline) and an all-women locomotive operations unit.

This has been possible due to Vedanta's commitment to providing rich job content powered by a tech-first approach through Industry 4.0, robotics and automation that have standardized work processes and eliminated manual intervention associated with this sector. The company provides differentiated career enhancement opportunities in this high-growth sector with the global boom in critical minerals and energy transition metals.

Vedanta is actively bridging the skill gap within this sector by offering exciting career options irrespective of gender. Along with that, Vedanta operates digital mines, featuring surface-based underground mining (tele-remote) operations, drone-based surveillance, real-time analytics, and automation, which have led to a significant rise in the number of women professionals choosing careers at Vedanta in mining.

Speaking on the occasion, Priya Agarwal Hebbar, Non-Executive Director – Vedanta Ltd & Chairperson – Hindustan Zinc Ltd, said, "At Vedanta, we are deeply committed to creating an inclusive workplace that ensures equal opportunity for all. Women-led development is now central to sustainable growth in India. Metals & mining is going to be intrinsic to a low-carbon future, and we need to bridge the skill gap in this sector. Through progressive policies we hope to leverage and empower this talent pool of women. We are building a future where diversity fuels innovation, inclusion accelerates progress, thereby making a lasting impact."

In the early 20th century, women working in metals and mining were a common sight. However, the Indian Mining Act of 1923 restricted their entry into underground mines, and a complete ban was imposed in 1937 under British rule. It was only in 2019, after a petition by a group of seven mining engineering students, that the Indian government finally lifted the ban and Vedanta's Hindustan Zinc swiftly emerged as the first company ever to deploy women mine engineers in underground mines.

Sharing her thoughts, Yogeshwari Rane, India's first woman to clear underground and opencast mining first-class examination, currently working at Vedanta's Iron Ore mine in Goa, said, "Coming from the mining rich area of Goa, I was always fascinated with this field. And with Vedanta's pool of opportunities, I've had a chance to work in both the underground and opencast mines. From the Zawar Mines in Rajasthan, Sandhya Rasakatla, India's first underground woman mine manager, added, "I was always fascinated with the world of metals and mining. It is a proud feeling to be here because, as a woman, I was the first in the mining industry to get this exposure. Vedanta's unbiased pool of opportunities has aided learning and my professional development." 

Vedanta offers a comprehensive suite of supportive workplace policies, including a spouse hiring policy, a year-long sabbatical for childcare, and 'No-Questions Asked' leave policy prioritizing mental and physical health. Beyond policies, employees live in world-class townships offering all modern amenities in proximity to the plants. These include schools, hospitals, daycare centres, creches, places of worship, sports and recreational facilities like swimming pools, golf courses, and movie theatres, which foster vibrant social life.

About Vedanta Group

Vedanta Group is a global leader in critical minerals, transition metals, energy, and technology, with operations spanning India, South Africa, Namibia, Liberia, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Korea, Taiwan, and Japan. As the world's largest integrated producer of zinc, the fourth-largest global producer of silver, and a top producer of aluminium, Vedanta plays a pivotal role in the global supply of essential materials for the energy transition. The company is also India's only private oil and gas producer and one of the largest private power producers, foraying in electronics and display glass manufacturing. Visit www.vedantalimited.com.

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