On March 13, 2026, in Hyderabad, NMDC Limited achieved a groundbreaking milestone by being the first Indian mining company to produce 50 million tonnes of iron ore within a single financial year. This landmark achievement for the Navratna CPSE, which operates under the Ministry of Steel, underscores its prominent role in India’s iron ore production.
Since its inception in 1958, NMDC has focused on harnessing India’s iron ore potential. Initially producing about 10 million tonnes in 1978, the company’s production capabilities have impressively expanded, culminating in a record-setting 50 million tonnes during the fiscal year 2025-26. This not only marks a significant growth over the decades but also highlights NMDC’s pivotal position in strengthening the nation’s iron ore supply chain.
The journey to this significant production figure represents a swift scale-up in NMDC’s operations, especially in recent years. Since 2015, the company has seen a robust increase in production, surging from approximately 30 million tonnes to the current 50 million tonnes. Remarkably, a substantial portion of this growth occurred in the past four years, showcasing the fastest expansion in the company’s history.
This achievement is particularly relevant as India aims to boost its steel production capacity to 300 million tonnes by 2030, making the availability of domestic iron ore more crucial than ever.
Shri Amitava Mukherjee, the Chairman and Managing Director of NMDC, expressed his pride in this accomplishment, stating, “Achieving the 50 million tonnes mark is a testament to the rapid progress we’ve made with our NMDC 2.0 initiative. This milestone, achieved much faster than in the past, is a result of our focused efforts towards efficient execution, sustainable mining practices, and our alignment with national goals. As the leading iron ore producer in India, we recognize our responsibility in supporting the country’s steel production needs.”
Operating with advanced mechanization in the ore-rich states of Chhattisgarh and Karnataka, NMDC continues to play a crucial role in securing India’s iron ore supply. The company is committed to maintaining high standards in operational efficiency, embracing technological innovations, and adhering to sustainable mining practices as it navigates its future growth trajectory.
