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NMDC Makes History: First Indian Miner to Hit 50 Million Tonnes of Iron Ore

NMDC has become India's first mining company to achieve an annual production of 50 million tonnes of iron ore. This milestone represents a fivefold increase from its 1978 output and a sharp acceleration, with nearly one-fifth of current capacity added in just the last four years. The state-owned miner's growth is central to ensuring domestic iron ore security as India targets 300 million tonnes of steelmaking capacity by 2030. Chairman Amitava Mukherjee attributed the success to sharper execution and responsible mining under the company's NMDC 2.0 strategy.

Key Points: NMDC First Indian Miner to Produce 50MT Iron Ore in a Year

  • Historic 50 MT production in FY25-26
  • Fivefold output growth since 1978
  • Fastest expansion in last four years
  • Supports India's 300 MT steel target
  • Central to national iron ore security
2 min read

NMDC becomes India's 1st mining company to hit 50 million tonnes of iron ore production

NMDC creates history by producing 50 million tonnes of iron ore in FY25-26, marking a fivefold growth since 1978 and accelerating India's steel vision.

"Reaching 50 million tonnes is a notable achievement... we have accelerated in just a few years. - Amitava Mukherjee"

New Delhi, March 14

India's largest iron ore producer NMDC has become the first mining company in the country to produce 50 million tonnes of iron ore in a single financial year, ahead of the close of FY 2025-26.

Established in 1958 to develop India's iron ore resources, the Navratna CPSE, under the Ministry of Steel, produced around 10 MT in 1978.

"Over the decades, output has expanded fivefold to reach a historic 50 MT in FY 2025-26, reflecting the company's steady transformation into the backbone of India's iron ore supply chain," according to an official statement.

NMDC's rise to the 50-million-tonne mark also underscores a sharp acceleration in growth in recent years.

Production has increased by nearly two-thirds since 2015, rising from about 30 MT to 50 MT, with nearly one-fifth of the current capacity added in the last four years alone showing the fastest expansion phase in the company's history, said the statement.

"Reaching 50 million tonnes is a notable achievement and reflects the strong progress we have made under NMDC 2.0. What once took decades to build, we have accelerated in just a few years through sharper execution, responsible mining practices, and a clear commitment to national priorities," said Amitava Mukherjee, Chairman and Managing Director, NMDC Limited.

Being India's largest iron ore producer comes with a huge responsibility, and this milestone reflects not just the strength of our operations but also the trust placed in us to support the nation's steel ecosystem, he mentioned.

With highly mechanised operations across the mineral-rich regions of Chhattisgarh and Karnataka, NMDC remains central to ensuring the country's iron ore security.

The company said it continues to focus on operational excellence, technological advancement, and responsible mining practices, as it looks ahead to the next phase of growth.

As India advances towards its target of expanding steelmaking capacity to 300 million tonnes by 2030, ensuring a stable and reliable domestic supply of iron ore has become a strategic priority.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
While the production numbers are impressive, I hope this "responsible mining" they talk about is genuine and not just PR. The regions of Chhattisgarh and Karnataka are ecologically sensitive. Growth should not come at the cost of the environment and local tribal communities.
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Vikram M
From 10 MT in 1978 to 50 MT now! That's real growth. This is crucial for our 300 MT steel capacity target by 2030. We need this self-reliance in raw materials to become a global manufacturing hub. Kudos to the NMDC team!
P
Priya S
Great news for the economy! More iron ore means more steel, which means more jobs in construction, automotive, and infrastructure. Hope the benefits reach the people in the mining regions too in terms of local employment and development.
R
Rohit P
The acceleration is mind-blowing! Adding 20 MT in just over a decade, with a big chunk in the last 4 years. Shows the pace of India's development. Now, the focus should be on value addition - can we also become a leader in finished steel products?
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Michael C
As someone in the manufacturing sector, a stable domestic supply of iron ore is a game-changer. It reduces import dependency and price volatility. NMDC hitting this milestone brings a lot of confidence for future industrial planning.

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