What it does: Extracts, processes, and supplies natural resources globally.
Best known for: Vedanta Resources is a leading world producer of oil and gas, zinc, lead, silver, copper, iron, aluminum, and power.
The good bits: Strong partnerships, a focus on sustainable growth as well as the local community, high standard of professionalism.
The not good bits: Criticism of environmental damage, sporadic news of unsafe mining operations, legal violations of excise duty, compromised human rights, hectic work style, low job security, and career growth.
The staff stats: 25,000+ employees globally.
The company was started by Anil Agarwal in 1976 and is headquartered in London, UK. Over the years, Vedanta Resources acquired many other mining and metal-related companies. The major subsidiaries of Vedanta are Bharat Aluminium Company Ltd, Hindustan Zinc, Sterlite Copper, Cairn India, and Cairn Energy India.
Geographically, Vedanta has expanded its range to India, Africa and Australia with more than 25,000 employees. Its strategic alliances are the key factor of its success in the mining industry.
Vedanta acquired companies in India, Zambia, Namibia, South Africa, Ireland, and Australia.
Vedanta engages in campus recruitment where it conducts aptitude tests, group discussions and personal interviews. Generally, it takes two days to complete this process. In the second round, during the group discussion, Vedanta mainly focuses on the leadership qualities of the candidate, with topics of discussion including current topics in sport, economics etc. The final round involves a face to face interview.
Graduates can also apply online, and successful candidates can expect a phone call inviting them to meet with the HR department for an interview. Shortlisted candidates are required to submit their original academic documents. Successful graduates can expect their letter of the offer via email or post.
Vedanta is known for high paying roles, bonuses and rewards, as well as low job security. A team leader in the management department earns approx 9.5 Lakh INR annually, far ahead of market competitors. Salaries of entry-level engineers start at 5 Lakh INR per annum. Although the salary is claimed to be high, employees claim that increases are based more on employee-manager relationships, rather than performance. The upside is that you get paid on time.
To maintain the work-life balance, Vedanta encourages socio-cultural activities. Yoga, birthday celebrations, meditation camps, sports, picnics, and other community programmes are regularly organised. Vedanta claims to prioritise safety, however, Vedanta has been accused of displacing communities, violating environmental laws & workers’ rights.
Vedanta focuses its social contribution to mitigating poverty. Through their Nand Ghar programme, Verdanta focuses on children’s wellbeing and education, women’s empowerment, drinking water and sanitation as well as sport and culture. Nand Gahrs are modern Aaganwadis designed to address the challenges faced by poor households in India.
Brand recognition and high salaries are strong motivators for new candidates, as well as opportunities to develop professionally in their respective fields. Graduates starting their career at Vedanta can expect to work hard and should seek to develop positive relationships with colleagues and management.