NMDC Becomes First Indian Mining Company To Produce 50 Million Tonnes Of Iron Ore In A Financial Year
State-owned NMDC Limited has become the first mining company in India to produce 50 million tonnes of iron ore in a single financial year, marking a major milestone just days before the close of FY 2025-26.
The achievement represents a significant development for the company, which operates under the Ministry of Steel and plays a key role in supplying iron ore to the domestic steel industry.
Founded in 1958 to develop India's iron ore resources, NMDC has steadily expanded its production capacity over the decades.
The company produced about 10 million tonnes of iron ore in 1978, with production since increasing fivefold to reach 50 million tonnes in the current financial year.
The company has recorded accelerated growth in recent years, with output rising from around 30 million tonnes in 2015 to the present level.
Officials said nearly one-fifth of the current production capacity has been added over the last four years, reflecting the fastest phase of expansion in the company's history.
The company operates large, mechanised mines in mineral-rich regions of Chhattisgarh and Karnataka, contributing to its unprecedented output levels.
The milestone comes as India aims to increase its steelmaking capacity to 300 million tonnes by 2030.
Ensuring a steady domestic supply of iron ore is considered essential to support the country's infrastructure growth and industrial expansion, with NMDC remaining a crucial supplier for the steel sector as the country's largest iron ore producer.
Commenting on the achievement, Amitava Mukherjee, Chairman and Managing Director of NMDC, said the milestone reflects the company's progress under its expansion strategy and operational improvements.
He said the growth has been driven by stronger execution, responsible mining practices and a focus on supporting national priorities, with the company continuing to focus on technological advancement and operational efficiency.