Hyderabad: NMDC Limited, India’s largest iron ore producer, is celebrating the first anniversary of its Transformation & Innovation (T&I) Department, established on November 4, 2024. The department was formed to expedite strategic projects, foster a culture of innovation, and ensure adaptability in a rapidly evolving industrial landscape.
Driving Innovation in Indian Mining
In just twelve months, the T&I Department has emerged as a key driver of technological advancement in India’s mining sector. Designed to strengthen NMDC’s competitive edge and bridge the gap between ambition and execution, the department has introduced several first-of-its-kind mining technologies and initiatives that reflect the organization’s commitment to operational excellence, sustainability, and efficiency.
Amitava Mukherjee, CMD of NMDC, said, “Our first year has been a journey of learning, innovation, and transformation. In establishing the T&I Department, we set out to build the future of NMDC—agile, technology-led, and purpose-driven. Over the past year, we have not only implemented change but also inspired it. Moving forward, our focus remains on accelerating NMDC’s growth through innovation and redefining responsible mining in India.”
Key Achievements in Year One
The department’s first year has been marked by tangible milestones, including:
- Operationalization of the Pellet Plant at Donimalai under the NMDC Partnership Policy (NPP).
- Implementation of a Digital Project Management Unit.
- Installation of dust fencing at Donimalai.
- Preparation of detailed project reports for In-Pit Crushing and Conveying (IPCC) systems at Bacheli and 190T Dumpers.
- Progress on the Automatic Sampling System at all production units.
These initiatives have significantly improved operational efficiency, sustainability, and technological adoption across NMDC’s mining operations.
Upcoming Projects and Strategic Plans
Several new projects are on the horizon, including:
- Stockpile Management and Remote Operation of Stacker & Reclaimer at SP-III, Kirandul.
- In-Pit Modular Crushing and Conveying at Donimalai.
- 20 MTPA Buffer Stockpile & Blending Yard at Vizag.
- Automatic Sample Transportation System to a centralized laboratory.
- Operationalization of the Sponge Iron Unit at Paloncha under revenue sharing.
- Development of Corporate Office and Residential Complex at Patancheru.
- 2 MTPA Beneficiation Plant at Kirandul.
These projects, under the NMDC Partnership Policy, aim to enhance capacity, operational efficiency, and sustainable mining practices.
Looking Ahead: NMDC 2.0
As the T&I Department enters its second year, NMDC marks the beginning of the NMDC 2.0 era—reimagining mining through technology, people, and purpose. The focus will be on operationalizing under-utilized assets, integrating next-generation technologies, and setting new benchmarks for responsible and innovative mining in India.
About NMDC
National Mineral Development Corporation (NMDC), a leading public sector undertaking (PSU), is India’s largest producer of iron ore and operates under the Ministry of Steel. With a strong commitment to growth and sustainability, NMDC plays a vital role in the mining and steel sectors, contributing significantly to India’s industrial development. The company has consistently been at the forefront of innovation in mining and mineral processing technologies, with a focus on both domestic and international markets.
Read also: NMDC Achieves Record-Breaking Q2 FY26 with 23% Growth in Production and 33% Increase in PAT
