New Delhi: NMDC Limited, the state-run iron ore producer, has set a target to achieve net zero operational emissions by 2047, covering its Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions arising from direct fuel consumption and electricity consumption.
The company has outlined a three-phase roadmap to progressively reduce operational emissions through energy efficiency, renewable energy adoption, fleet electrification and other low-carbon technologies.
NMDC aims to achieve a minimum 90% reduction in operational emissions as part of its Net Zero pathway. The remaining emissions will be addressed through offsetting measures as the roadmap progresses.
NMDC Targets Net Zero Operational Emissions by 2047
NMDC’s Net Zero target focuses on operational emissions under Scope 1 and Scope 2.
These include:
- Scope 1: Direct emissions generated from the company’s own operations, including fuel consumption.
- Scope 2: Indirect emissions associated with electricity purchased and consumed by the company.
The company plans to progressively implement decarbonisation measures across its operations to reduce the carbon intensity of its activities and move towards its 2047 target.
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Three-Phase Roadmap for Decarbonisation
NMDC will implement its Net Zero strategy through three distinct phases, covering the period from FY2026 through FY2047.
The three phases are:
- Phase I: FY2026 to FY2030
- Phase II: FY2031 to FY2040
- Phase III: FY2041 to FY2047
Energy efficiency, renewable energy adoption and electrification are expected to form key components of the initial transition. More advanced decarbonisation measures and emerging technologies will be introduced progressively during the subsequent phases.
Key Strategies Under NMDC’s Net Zero Plan
NMDC has identified several measures to reduce operational emissions and support its long-term decarbonisation pathway.
The key strategies include:
- Energy efficiency
- Renewable energy integration
- Electrification of the fleet
- Adoption of low-carbon fuels
- Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage (CCUS)
- Demand-side management
These measures will be implemented progressively across the three phases, with the company focusing on deeper emissions reductions as the roadmap advances.
NMDC Targets Minimum 90% Reduction in Operational Emissions
As part of its Net Zero pathway, NMDC has set an overall target of achieving a minimum 90% reduction in operational emissions.
The remaining emissions are planned to be addressed through offsetting measures as the roadmap progresses towards 2047.
The approach combines direct emissions reduction with the gradual adoption of cleaner energy sources and emerging technologies.
Renewable Energy Initiatives Already Underway
NMDC has already undertaken initiatives aimed at increasing the share of renewable energy in its operations and reducing dependence on conventional energy sources.
These initiatives include:
- A 10.5 MW wind energy facility at Chitradurga
- Solar power installations across various projects
The company plans to further integrate renewable energy into its operations as part of its long-term decarbonisation strategy.
Slurry Pipeline to Support Greener Mineral Transportation
NMDC’s logistics infrastructure is also expected to play a role in its decarbonisation efforts.
The company’s upcoming slurry pipeline project is expected to provide a greener downstream transportation solution by reducing dependence on conventional transportation and associated warehousing requirements.
The use of slurry pipelines can support the movement of iron ore through an alternative transportation system, forming part of NMDC’s broader efforts to reduce the environmental impact associated with logistics.
Greater Use of Rail Freight Planned
NMDC also plans to increase the movement of iron ore through rail freight.
The initiative will be supported by the doubling of railway lines and other supply infrastructure being developed around the company’s operations.
Greater use of rail transportation is expected to help reduce the carbon intensity associated with the movement of minerals and strengthen the sustainability of NMDC’s logistics operations.
Energy Efficiency and Electrification to Drive Initial Transition
During the initial phase of the Net Zero roadmap, NMDC is expected to focus on measures such as energy efficiency, renewable energy adoption and fleet electrification.
As the roadmap moves into the medium- and long-term phases, the company plans to introduce deeper decarbonisation measures and emerging technologies.
The progressive approach will allow NMDC to implement different solutions across its operations while working towards the long-term objective of net zero operational emissions by 2047.
About NMDC Limited
NMDC Limited is a Government of India enterprise and one of the country’s major iron ore producers. The company is engaged in iron ore exploration and production and operates mining and related infrastructure. NMDC is also undertaking initiatives focused on renewable energy, operational efficiency, logistics improvement and long-term decarbonisation.
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