Tata Steel’s ‘Women in Mining’ conclave charts path for gender-inclusive future

Ranchi, November 26: Tata Steel, under the aegis of the Directorate General of Mines Safety (DGMS), organised a conclave on “Women in Mining” in Ranchi.

The day-long event, based on the theme “Transforming Today, Redefining Tomorrow,” brought together regulatory authorities, mining industry leaders, women mining professionals, and other stakeholders to discuss the evolving landscape of gender inclusion in the mining sector.

The conclave is a significant milestone following the recent labour law reform – the Occupational Safety, Health, and Working Conditions Code – which enables women to work in underground and opencast mines. This reform served as a catalyst for mining companies across India to accelerate gender diversity and integrate women into operational roles historically dominated by men.

The day-long program began with an inaugural session addressed by dignitaries from DGMS, Tata Steel, and other mining companies. The esteemed speakers included Ujjwal Tah, Director General, DGMS; Dr. Shyam Sundar Prasad, Deputy Director General, DGMS and Vir Pratap Singh Deputy Director General, DGMS; Shankar Nagachari, Director, CMPDIL; and Sanjeev Kumar Sinha, Director, Hindustan Copper Ltd. Other dignitaries present were Sanjay Rajoria, GM, Coal, Tata Steel; Atul Kumar Bhatnagar, GM, OMQ, Tata Steel; Meghana Ghosh, Women in Mining Forum India Chapter; Jaya Singh Panda, Chief Diversity Officer, Tata Steel; and D. Vijayendra, Chief, Noamundi Iron Mine, Tata Steel.

The industry presentations showcased efforts by leading mining and resource companies, including Tata Steel, Larsen & Toubro, WIM, Coal India Limited, Hindustan Zinc, NTPC, Singareni Collieries, Lloyds Metals, and JSW Steel etc., Women professionals from across the sector shared their first-hand experiences and success stories.

A special felicitation ceremony recognized women teams and presenters for their contributions and achievements within their respective organizations.

The panel discussion, moderated by senior women leaders from Tata Steel, HZL, SCCL, and DGMS, focused on strategies to strengthen gender diversity, promote leadership among women, improve retention, and build inclusive and safe workplaces.

The conclave addressed contemporary and emerging topics such as gender-inclusive mining policies, leadership roles for women in mining, reskilling and preparing women for future workforce needs, safe and inclusive workplaces, women in peripheral and allied mining roles, tribal and rural women in mining, multi-stakeholder partnerships, young women breaking stereotypes and choosing mining as a career, and commitment to inclusive growth.

Speaking at the conclave, leaders emphasized the importance of creating an enabling ecosystem that encourages more women and people from diverse genders to join mining. Tata Steel reaffirmed its commitment to fostering inclusive, equitable, and future-ready mining operations.

The conclave concluded with an open session and closing remarks, emphasizing continued collaboration between regulators, industry, and community stakeholders to build a gender-inclusive mining ecosystem. The event marked a crucial step in redefining the future of mining by empowering women, fostering equity, and nurturing leadership across all levels.