Today women are hoisting the flag of their competence in every field. One of those sectors is the mining industry, which was considered male-dominated for a long time. Breaking this perception, Tata Steel has introduced the country’s first women-only shift at its Noamundi iron ore mine located in West Singhbhum district of Jharkhand. This initiative is a historic step towards empowering women in a challenging industry like mining.
First shift of women in Noamundi mine
Under this initiative of Tata Steel, women are taking full responsibility of mining operations in the mine. They are active in roles like heavy earth moving machinery, shovels, loaders, drills, dozer operators and shift supervisors.
- Start of work:
- Last Monday, Deputy Director General of Mine Safety (SE Zone, Ranchi) Shyam Sundar Prasad flagged off this women’s shift.
- This is in line with the government’s vision of promoting an equal workplace.
- Important Steps:
In 2019, the Director General of Mines Safety had opened a new path in this direction by allowing the deployment of women in all shifts in mining.
Tata Steel’s commitment towards equal workplace
Tata Steel has described this initiative as a historic initiative towards women empowerment and promoting diversity.
- Company Perspective:
- The company said in its statement that the initiative reflects its commitment to creating an equal workplace and including women in traditionally male-dominated industries.
- This initiative of Tata Steel marks a revolutionary change in the Indian mining industry.
- Women@Mines Initiative:
This initiative, started in 2019, is one of the major diversity plans of Tata Steel.- Following the relaxation of the Mining Act, 1952, Tata Steel became the first company in India to deploy women in all shifts.
Historic achievement in Indian mining industry
DB Sundar Ramam, vice-president (raw materials), Tata Steel, termed it a historic achievement for both the Indian mining industry and the company.
- Proof of women’s strength:
This initiative is a living example of women’s resilience and ability to break stereotypes. - Importance of Diversity and Inclusion:
Tata Steel believes that diversity and inclusion are instrumental in driving innovation and operational efficiency.
special training for women
The company organized extensive training programs to make women skilled in mining operations.
- Recruitment and Training Process:
- Women were recruited from local communities.
- They were trained in simulator sessions, safety protocols and physical fitness apart from technical and operational skills.
- After training, the women were deployed in roles such as dumpers, shovelers, dozers, graders and drill operators.
- Time to join the workforce:
These women started working in mines from April 2022.
New chapter of women’s achievement
This initiative has opened a new path for women in the mining industry. This initiative by Tata Steel is not only a symbol of equality and inclusion in the industry, but is also an inspiration towards empowerment of women and their skill development.
