New Delhi: State-run mining giant NMDC Limited is aiming to boost its iron ore production by 22 percent in FY26 to 55 million tonnes (MT) as part of its strategic plan to double output and reach 100 MT by 2030, Chairman & Managing Director Amitava Mukherjee said in an interaction.
The company, which produced 45 MT of iron ore in FY25, is accelerating its expansion amid rising demand from the domestic steel industry, aligned with the Government of India’s vision of 300 MT steel production capacity by 2030.
“We have to increase production to 100 million tonnes by 2030 and we are on track. For the current fiscal, the plan is 55 million tonnes,” Mr Mukherjee said.
Strong Start to FY26: Output Up 45% in April-May
According to a regulatory filing on Monday, NMDC’s production rose to 8.43 MT during April–May FY26, registering a 45% year-on-year growth from 5.82 MT in the same period last year. This signals a strong start towards meeting the year-end target.
Open to Supplying Iron Ore to Steel Giants
Mukherjee emphasized NMDC’s role as a facilitator of India’s steel growth story. When asked about supplying iron ore to Tata Steel, which is working towards a 40 MTPA capacity by 2030, he said-
“Not just Tata (Steel), we will supply to anyone who places an order. We are there to supply iron ore and help steel players achieve the government’s 300 MT target by 2030.”
Tata Steel Prepares for Future Raw Material Needs
Tata Steel is already in discussions with NMDC and Odisha Mining Corporation (OMC) to ensure raw material security post-2030. The leases of its key mines – Noamundi, Katamati, Khondbond, and Joda East – are set to expire in March 2030, raising the urgency for long-term sourcing arrangements.
According to Tata Steel’s Vice President (Raw Material) D B Sundara Ramam, the company would require over 60 MT of iron ore annually to support its 40 MTPA output target.
NMDC: Backbone of India’s Iron Ore Supply
Operating under the Ministry of Steel, NMDC is India’s largest producer of iron ore, a vital raw material in steel manufacturing. Its aggressive expansion strategy is seen as critical to India’s infrastructure and industrial ambitions.
With both public and private sector steel makers ramping up capacity, NMDC’s role in ensuring stable and affordable raw material supply is expected to grow even further.
About NDMC
NMDC Limited, a Navratna PSU under the Ministry of Steel, is India’s largest producer and exporter of iron ore, operating fully mechanized mines in Chhattisgarh and Karnataka. Apart from iron ore, NMDC is also involved in the exploration of other minerals such as rock phosphate, gypsum, diamond, coal, and more. It operates the country’s only mechanized diamond mine located in Panna, Madhya Pradesh.
