Hindustan Zinc Limited, the country’s largest zinc producer and part of the Vedanta Group, announced a significant 44 per centyear-on-year increase in its LGBTQIA+ workforce across operations, reinforcing its push toward inclusivity in the traditionally male-dominated metals and mining sector.
Coinciding with Pride Month, the company launched its #CallHZLYourHome campaign, aimed at celebrating diversity and reaffirming its commitment to creating a safe and inclusive workplace. The initiative highlights the organisation’s industry-leading policies and efforts to normalise LGBTQIA+ inclusion in core business roles.
Hindustan Zinc currently employs 23 transgender individuals in various functions including finance, supply chain, marketing, and medical services-roles not commonly associated with LGBTQIA+ participation in the industrial sector. This integration has been enabled through the company’s tech-first approach, utilising Industry 4.0, automation, and robotics to standardise operations and reduce labor-intensive tasks.
“Our aim is to make Hindustan Zinc a place where every employee, regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation, feels seen, valued, and respected,” said Priya Agarwal Hebbar, Chairperson of Hindustan Zinc and Non-Executive Director of Vedanta Ltd. “We are not just building careers here-we are creating a workplace that feels like home.”
To further support its LGBTQIA+ employees, Hindustan Zinc has rolled out progressive workplace policies. These include up to ?1 lakh in financial support for transgender employees, Rs 2 lakhs for gender reaffirmation procedures, dedicated leave policies for those undergoing gender reassignment, adoption benefits for LGBTQIA+ parents, and inclusive housing arrangements.
Employees say the impact is tangible. Kaushal Singh, Civil Infrastructure Manager at the Rampura Agucha mine, shared, “I was initially apprehensive about being accepted, but the culture here is truly inclusive. I’ve consistently felt respected and empowered, not just as an employee, but as a person.”
Ankit Jadon, who works as a store manager at the Sindesar Khurd mine, one of the world’s top silver-producing operations, echoed similar sentiments. “I’m entrusted with key responsibilities and mentored for growth. The inclusive environment makes me feel safe and motivated to build a long-term career here,” he said.
The company also runs an internal platform called *Zinclusion*, designed to foster awareness and empathy among employees through sensitization sessions, leadership involvement, and community outreach. It serves as a space for dialogue and support, not just for LGBTQIA+ individuals but also for differently abled persons and those from diverse ethnic and geographic backgrounds.
Since 2022, Hindustan Zinc has expanded its recruitment efforts to actively include members of the transgender community-individuals who often face systemic barriers to employment. As part of its long-term sustainability goals, the company aims to reach 30 per centworkforce diversity by 2030. It currently boasts a 26 per centgender diversity ratio in its executive roles, one of the highest in the global metals and mining industry.
With these initiatives, Hindustan Zinc is not only setting benchmarks within the sector but also driving a cultural shift toward equity and acceptance in Indian industry.