New Delhi: NMDC Limited, India’s largest iron ore producer and a Navratna CPSE under the Ministry of Steel, has created history by becoming the first mining company in the country to achieve 50 million tonnes (MT) of iron ore production in a single financial year, reaching the milestone just days before the close of FY 2025–26.
The achievement marks a major milestone not only for NMDC but also for India’s mining and steel sectors, as the country pushes toward large-scale industrial expansion.
A Historic Production Journey Since 1958
Established in 1958, NMDC was created to develop India’s iron ore resources and strengthen domestic mineral security.
The company produced around 10 million tonnes of iron ore in 1978, but over the decades its output has multiplied fivefold, culminating in the historic 50 MT mark in FY26.
This reflects NMDC’s long-term transformation into the backbone of India’s iron ore supply chain.
Read also: NMDC Raises Iron Ore Prices: Baila Lump ₹4,700/tonne, Fines ₹4,000/tonne from Feb 10
Fastest Expansion Phase in Recent Years
The latest milestone also highlights NMDC’s sharp acceleration in production growth over the past decade.
• Production stood at around 30 MT in 2015
• It has now risen to 50 MT in FY26
• Nearly one-fifth of current capacity has been added in just the last four years
This period represents the fastest expansion phase in NMDC’s history, driven by operational upgrades, stronger execution and capacity enhancement.
Critical for India’s Steel Ambitions
India is targeting 300 million tonnes of steelmaking capacity by 2030, making reliable domestic iron ore supply strategically important.
As the country’s largest iron ore producer, NMDC’s record output strengthens raw material availability for steel producers and reduces supply-side vulnerabilities.
CMD Amitava Mukherjee on the Achievement
Commenting on the milestone, Amitava Mukherjee, Chairman and Managing Director of NMDC, said:
“Reaching 50 million tonnes is a notable achievement and reflects the strong progress we have made under NMDC 2.0.”
He added that what once took decades to build has now accelerated rapidly through:
• sharper execution
• responsible mining practices
• clear alignment with national priorities
According to him, being India’s largest iron ore producer also carries the responsibility of supporting the country’s steel ecosystem.
Operations in Chhattisgarh and Karnataka Remain Core Strength
NMDC’s highly mechanised mining operations across mineral-rich regions of:
• Chhattisgarh
• Karnataka
continue to form the backbone of the company’s production strength.
These mining belts remain central to India’s iron ore security.
Focus on Technology and Responsible Mining
NMDC said its future growth strategy will continue to focus on:
• operational excellence
• technological advancement
• responsible mining practices
• sustainable resource development
The company is now positioning itself for the next growth phase under its NMDC 2.0 transformation strategy.
Why This Milestone Matters
The 50 MT benchmark is significant because it signals:
India’s growing mining efficiency stronger domestic raw material security support for steel manufacturing expansion reduced import dependence
About NMDC
NMDC Limited, a PSU headquartered in New Delhi, is India’s largest iron ore producer. The state-owned enterprise operates multiple mines across the country and plays a key role in supplying iron ore to domestic steel manufacturers. Its product range includes lump ore, fines, pellets, and value-added minerals.
