India’s largest iron ore producer, NMDC, has achieved a significant milestone by becoming the first mining company in the country to produce 50 million tonnes of iron ore in a single financial year, surpassing this target before the end of FY 2025–26. Established in 1958 with the aim of developing India’s iron ore resources, NMDC, a Navratna CPSE under the Ministry of Steel, had produced approximately 10 million tonnes in 1978.
The company’s output has seen remarkable growth over the years, expanding fivefold to reach the historic 50 million tonnes mark in FY 2025–26. This achievement underscores NMDC’s crucial role as the backbone of India’s iron ore supply chain, as stated in an official announcement. Notably, NMDC’s production has surged by almost two-thirds since 2015, escalating from around 30 million tonnes to the current 50 million tonnes, with nearly 20% of the current capacity added in the last four years alone, marking the fastest expansion phase in the company’s history.
Amitava Mukherjee, the Chairman and Managing Director of NMDC Limited, expressed pride in reaching the 50 million tonnes milestone, attributing it to the company’s accelerated progress under NMDC 2.0. He highlighted the swift execution, responsible mining practices, and unwavering commitment to national priorities that have facilitated this achievement. Mukherjee emphasized that being India’s leading iron ore producer signifies a significant responsibility, reflecting not only operational strength but also the trust placed in NMDC to bolster the nation’s steel ecosystem.
NMDC, with highly mechanized operations in mineral-rich regions like Chhattisgarh and Karnataka, plays a pivotal role in ensuring India’s iron ore security. The company remains dedicated to operational excellence, technological advancements, and sustainable mining practices as it gears up for the next phase of growth. As India aims to increase its steelmaking capacity to 300 million tonnes by 2030, securing a stable and reliable domestic supply of iron ore has emerged as a strategic imperative.
