Jharkhand Mining Sector Opens Doors For Women Workers; Over 180 Lead Shifts At Noamundi Mines

Women in Jharkhand are increasingly entering the traditionally male-dominated mining sector, with several companies encouraging female employment in their mining areas. Tata Steel was among the first to initiate this move, providing employment opportunities to women at its Noamundi mining area, where one entire shift is now managed solely by women. The work ranges from operating heavy machinery to performing all other mining-related tasks.

These developments were highlighted at a seminar on ‘Women in Mining’, organised by Tata Steel in association with the Directorate General of Mines Safety (DGMS). Speaking to journalists, DGMS Director Ujjwal Tah said that while mining was once an exclusively male profession, times have changed, and women are now successfully working in the field.

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Tata Steel’s initiative prioritised women’s safety, and new guidelines are being formulated based on feedback from female employees. Tah added that Jharkhand’s vast mineral reserves offer significant opportunities in the mining sector, with both government and private companies actively engaged.

Atul Kumar Bhatnagar, GM of the Noamundi mining area, said awareness campaigns in surrounding villages helped encourage women to apply for mining roles. Initially, only a few applications were received for 23 posts, but as women shared their experiences, interest grew. In 2019, 93 women joined the OMQ division; as of November 1, 2025, 181 women are employed there.

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B Gayatri, Operations Manager at Tata’s Dhanbad colliery, said that while mining work is challenging, guidance from officials has helped her succeed over the past two years. Many young women are now eager to join the sector, including in underground mining operations.

The seminar also highlighted initiatives by major mining companies such as Tata Steel, Larsen & Toubro, WIM, Coal India Limited, Hindustan Zinc, NTPC, Singareni Collieries, Lloyds Metals, and JSW Steel to encourage female participation in mining.