Vedanta Aluminium Strengthens Gender Diversity with First Ever Women-Operated Smelter Line

#VedantaAluminium #Inclusion #Diversity #Operations #GenderParity #JharsugudaSmelter

“By empowering women with greater opportunities in core manufacturing roles, we are not only breaking industry stereotypes but also creating an equitable, future-ready workplace. This initiative at one of the world’s largest smelters is testament to our commitment to fostering gender diversity across our business.” - Sunil Gupta, Chief Operating Officer, Vedanta Aluminium.

March 2025 : Vedanta Aluminium has announced a transformative step towards fostering gender parity and workplace inclusion. The company is converting an entire smelter line at its operations in Jharsuguda, Odisha, to be operated and maintained exclusively by women employees. The Jharsuguda smelter is one of the world’s largest aluminium smelters.

This pioneering initiative aligns with Vedanta Aluminium’s broader commitment to further enhancing women participation at the workplace, reinforcing its position as a leader in diversity, equity, and inclusion within the manufacturing sector. Vedanta nurtures one of the highest gender diversity percentages in its workforce.

As part of this initiative, one of the potlines of the smelter, located in an SEZ, is being transitioned into a fully women-managed operation. A potline is a crucial component of the aluminium smelting process, where electrolytic reduction is carried out to produce aluminium metal. The project will be executed in three phases, with more than 100 duty positions identified across various levels, expertise, and competencies. Women employees from across the smelter and other business units have been selected through internal job postings, diversity connect programs, and information dissemination initiatives. These employees are undergoing specialized on-the-job training, supported by technical anchors and senior leadership to ensure a seamless transition.

Commenting on the significance of the initiative, Sunil Gupta, Chief Operating Officer, Vedanta Aluminium, said, “We believe that diversity and inclusion are key drivers of innovation and operational excellence. By empowering women with greater opportunities in core manufacturing roles, we are not only breaking industry stereotypes but also creating an equitable, future-ready workplace. This initiative at one of the world’s largest smelters is testament to our commitment to fostering gender diversity across our business.”

Pankaj Sureka, Chief Human Resource Officer, Vedanta Aluminium said, “At Vedanta Aluminium, we believe in the philosophy of ‘Shakti se Pragati’ or progress through empowerment. We are creating equal opportunities and accelerating actions that enable women to lead across all functions, from shop floors to leadership roles.”

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