### International Women's Day 2025: 21% Women in Vedanta, 28% in Leadership Roles

Exemplary female leadership: India’s first all-women mining rescue team, all-women firefighting team, and complete operations of an aluminum potline managed by women

Jaipur, March 2025 – Vedanta Group is celebrating the remarkable contributions of women in its operations, as they continue to break barriers and redefine the industry. Currently, women constitute 21% of the company's workforce, with an ambitious target to increase it to 30% by 2030. Notably, women hold 28% of leadership roles, the highest among India's metal and mining companies.

Historically, the participation of women in the natural resource sector has been low, but Vedanta is actively working to bridge this gap by creating a more inclusive environment. The company has undertaken several initiatives under its sustainable development strategy, including enhanced workplace conditions, special recruitment drives for women, mentorship programs, and fast-track career growth opportunities. Women are further empowered through initiatives such as "No Questions Asked" work-from-home policies, flexible working hours, year-long childcare leave, and spousal hiring benefits. Vedanta also promotes transgender inclusion, offering financial assistance for education and gender affirmation processes.

Priya Agarwal Hebbar, Chairperson of Hindustan Zinc Limited and Non-Executive Director of Vedanta Limited, emphasized, “At Vedanta, we are committed to fostering an equal and inclusive workplace. Increasing women’s participation in India’s workforce is a crucial driver of economic growth, and we are fully dedicated to advancing this mission. If India’s female workforce participation rises by 10%, it could contribute an additional $770 billion to the national economy. This is not just about equality but also unlocking a vast economic opportunity. Investing in women-led grassroots development is not just a social responsibility but also a visionary economic decision. Our progressive policies, including flexible working hours, leave benefits, skill-enhancement programs, and leadership development initiatives, ensure that talent and capability—not gender—determine career opportunities. Vedanta is not only challenging traditional gender roles in a male-dominated industry but also shaping a future where diversity drives innovation, inclusion accelerates progress, and every individual has the power to make a difference.”

Women’s Role in the Mining & Metal Industry: A Historical Perspective

In the early 20th century, it was common for women to work in the metal and mining industries. However, the Indian Mines Act of 1923 prohibited women from working in underground mines, a restriction that was further reinforced under British rule in 1937. Between 1943 and 1946, the ban was temporarily lifted, allowing around 70,000 women to work in mines. Despite this, the perception persisted that mining and metallurgy were unsuitable for women. It was only in 2019, following a petition by seven female mining engineering students, that the Indian government lifted this restriction. Soon after, Hindustan Zinc, a Vedanta subsidiary, became the first company in India to appoint female mining engineers in underground mines, paving the way for greater gender inclusion in the sector.

Key Initiatives Empowering Women at Vedanta

Hindustan Zinc has established India’s first and second all-women underground mine rescue teams. These teams recently secured second place in the 2024 International Mine Rescue Competition held in Colombia, competing against leading global teams.

Vedanta Aluminium, India’s largest aluminum producer, is set to operate an entire production line solely managed by women at its Jharsuguda plant in Odisha. This facility is the world’s largest aluminum smelter, and the initiative will be implemented in three phases, reserving over 100 positions for women.

Cairn Oil & Gas has launched an all-women security team named "Durga Vahini," responsible for safeguarding 38 Vedanta oilfield sites in Rajasthan. These rural women are now part of the Quick Response Team (QRT), playing a crucial role in handling emergency situations.

Women's Day Initiatives at Vedanta

Vedanta’s International Women’s Day celebrations will extend beyond just a single day, with multiple initiatives planned throughout March 2025. Hindustan Zinc and Vedanta Sesa Goa will offer select female professionals the opportunity to work closely with senior leaders, fostering leadership skills. Additionally, self-defense workshops will be organized across all business units, training over 15,000 women in essential safety techniques. These workshops will help women recognize threats, respond to emergencies, and strengthen their personal security.

Hindustan Zinc’s "Sakhi Utsav" will bring together 10,000 women entrepreneurs, social change leaders, and skilled professionals from Rajasthan and Uttarakhand, facilitating discussions on female entrepreneurship, social transformation, and talent development.

Through these groundbreaking initiatives, Vedanta is shaping a future where women have equal opportunities to thrive and contribute to India’s growth.