Page 143 - CW E-Magazine (30-4-2024)

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UNLOCKING VALUE WOMEN IN CHEMISTRY
Hindustan Zinc hopes to get Govt. nod for modifi ed BASF India, Somaiya Vidyavihar and ICC celebrate

demerger proposals success of inaugural batch of ‘We-Chemie Program’

Vedanta-owned Hindustan Zinc has Third largest producer of silver globally BASF India, Somaiya Vidyavihar
come up with re-worked demerger plans. In another development, Hindustan and the Indian Chemical Council
It will now look to have two companies – Zinc has informed that it has (ICC) recently celebrated the
one for zinc and lead; and the second for become the third largest silver producer success of the inaugural batch of
silver –as against the previous plans to globally as per the ‘World Silver the ‘We-Chemie program – Women
have three demerged entities. Survey 2024’ conducted by The Silver Enabled for Careers in Chemistry’,
Institute, USA. The company’s Sindesar recognising students who have
The company’s management is Khurd Mine now stands as the completed the training.
again engaging with the government to the mind of the investor at the time of world’s second largest silver-produc-
bring the Ministry of Mines – a minority disinvestment. Hindustan Zinc is on ing mine, moving up from last year’s The programme is a CSR ini-
shareholder – on board with the modifi ed the Centre’s disinvestment radar. “We fourth position. Commenting on this tiative led by BASF India, imple-
demerger proposals, Mr. Arun Misra, are re-engaging with the Centre, as we achievement, Chairperson of Hindu- mented by Somaiya Vidyavihar
CEO and MD, Hindustan Zinc, said in a believe that the demerger will be bene- stan Zinc, Ms. Priya Agarwal-Hebbar and supported by ICC and is aimed
Hindu Businessline report. fi cial. There is no new proposal. But we said, “Silver plays a pivotal role in at addressing the need for gender
re-worked the existing one,” Mr. Misra the global energy transition and our diversity and inclusion in the chem-
While Anil Agarwal-owned Vedanta said. recent record silver production of ical sector.
has a 64.92% majority-stake in 746-tonnes paves the way for Atma- 40 eligible women candidates, was bright, determined women ready
Hindustan Zinc, the Ministry of Mines According to him, zinc prices are wit- nirbhar Bharat. Hindustan Zinc’s pro- “We-Chemie is more than just a inaugurated on 17th November 2023. to make their mark in the chemical
holds 29.54% The proposal previously nessing a ‘good rally’ while metal stocks duction growth of 5% year-on-year is certification program; it is a trans- In the following five months stu- industry.”
rejected included creating three sepa- are up. Demand for silver continues to be attributed to increased ore production formative journey designed to dents learnt from various industry
rate legal entities – one for zinc and strong. Under such a circumstance, the and enhanced grades, reinforcing its equip women students from under- and academic experts about various Mr. Alexander Gerding, Manag-
lead; another for silver; and a third for company expected the demerger to add status as a key player in the global privileged backgrounds, enrolled essential soft skills and technical ing Director, BASF India & Head –
recycling business – to unlock share- another $3-4 bn to its market cap. “Our silver market. This remarkable feat in the final year of B.Sc. or M.Sc. skills that would help them to take BASF Group Companies in India,
holder value. The objections came market capitalisation is now at $20-bn. has been achieved using innovative in Chemistry, with the necessary their first steps in the corporate said, “We are committed to cham-
on the grounds that the “timing of the And, had the demerger been cleared, the technologies and sustainable mining knowledge, skills, and attitude to world. These topics included crea- pioning diversity, empowerment,
demerger was not appropriate”. It was combined market cap across the zinc and practices, which helped us in opti- excel in the chemical industry,” said tivity, communication, collabora- and excellence within the chemi-
also pointed out that creation of mul- silver entities would now be somewhere mising the production process while Dr. Achala Danait, Director, Stra- tion, supply chain, patents, R&D cal industry and look forward to
tiple entities will lead to confusion in in the $24-bn range,” Mr. Misra said. reducing the environmental impact.” tegy & Industry Partnerships, Somaiya etc. expanding this initiative across the
DCM Shriram bags OHSSAI ESG award Vidyavihar University. “Through On 11th April 2024 this first nation.”
a meticulously crafted curriculum
developed by industry experts, par- batch of students were awarded Mr. Sothi Selvam, Director Gene-
DCM Shriram’s Chemicals busi- of renewable energy, water savings, ticipants undergo training in both their certificates and they also have ral, ICC added, “ICC will continue
ness was recognised for its ESG reduction in coal consumption, soft skills and technical competen- begun to get some opportunities to to spearhead the employability
(Environmental, Social, and Govern- increasing usage of biomass, energy cies, ensuring they emerge as com- join in some reputed chemical com- aspect, facilitating job placements
ance) initiatives at the recently con- audits, tree plantation drives and petent professionals ready to take panies. and internships for the trained wom-
cluded ‘8th Annual HSE Excellence medical support to nearby commu- on the challenges of the modern en, through our member companies
and ESG Global Awards’ organised nities through mobile medical units chemical landscape. The students Speaking at the event, Mr. Samir and the ICC’s Industry Academia
by OHSSAI Foundation in Hydera- (MMU),” the company said. are supported to get opportunities Somaiya, President-Somaiya Vidya- Expert Committee. Further, We-Che-
bad, where it bagged the gold award to intern or full-time opportunities vihar and Chancellor, Somaiya mie aligns very well with India’s new
under ESG award category for large OHSSAI is an independent, in renowned chemical companies Vidyavihar University said, “This National Education Policy (NEP)
scale manufacturing sector. non-profi t at the forefront of promot- and thus adapt to the world of work program, a pioneering step towards and the UN sustainable Development
ing and advancing health, safety, seamlessly,” she informed. empowering women in the field of Goals emphasising our commitment
“This was a result of various environment sustainability and indus- chemical sciences, reflects our com- to fostering industry-academia part-
environmental and societal interven- (L-R): Mr. Arpit Nanavati, Jt. VP-EHS; Ms. Trupti trial hygiene in industries, societies The inaugural batch of the mitment to inclusivity and excel- nerships and enhancing employabi-
Joshi, Asst. Manager – EHS and Mr. B.M. Patel,
tions by the company in the fields President & COO – DCM Shriram Chemicals and educational institutes. We-Chemie program, comprising lence. It is heartening to see these lity.”

142 Chemical Weekly April 30, 2024 Chemical Weekly April 30, 2024 143

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